CBS News poll finds voters split on state v. national focus in Maine Senate race, tell me about this news today
03-10-2026
The latest CBS News/YouGov poll shows a dead heat in the Maine U.S. Senate race between five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democratic nominee Troy Jackson, with likely voters tied at 50% to 50%.
CBS NewsThe central finding highlights a fundamental division over whether voters are evaluating the race through a local lens or a national one:
CBS NewsThe State-Level Advantage for Collins: Collins remains competitive in a left-leaning state largely due to voters focused on state-specific matters rather than national party politics. Voters give her an edge on who is more effective at securing federal funding for Maine. This local focus allows her to peel off roughly one in five voters who disapprove of Donald Trumpa crossover rate significantly higher than GOP candidates achieve nationally. She also benefits from ticket-splitters who back Democratic gubernatorial nominee Hannah Pingree while still supporting Collins for Senate.
CBS News+ 1The National and Change Dynamic for Jackson: Jackson draws his strongest support from voters primarily motivated by national issues and a desire for political change. Most voters who believe Trump’s policies have hurt Maine’s economy back Jackson. However, his challenge lies in converting that advantage cleanly: nearly 20% of voters who think Jackson’s policies would benefit them financially still report voting for Collins.
CBS NewsLooming Volatility: About 10% of voters indicate they could still change their minds before Election Day, leaving the contest wide open in the final weeks of the campaign.
CBS News