Upheaval in Maine and Another 100-Day Campaign: Can Democrats Pull It Off?

The Democratic Party in Maine faces an existential crisis that threatens to upend its chances of regaining control of the US Senate. With barely 100 days until the election, the party is scrambling to coalesce behind Troy Jackson, the new Democratic nominee. Jackson’s challenge is not just about building momentum but also convincing voters he represents a genuine break with the past.

The party worries that Jackson’s intra-party win may not translate to the broader electorate, where trust is a precious commodity. “Momentum isn’t the same thing as trust,” said Lynn Bromley, a former Democratic state senator. This concern echoes among party members who fear Jackson’s interparty victory might not resonate with voters outside their ranks.

Jackson’s path to success lies in winning over 2020 ticket-splitters, who backed Susan Collins for Senate and Joe Biden for president. These voters could tip the balance in his favor, but their allegiance is far from guaranteed. They have grown increasingly disenchanted with Collins’ shift to the right, as evident in comments from Wendy Tooth, a physiotherapist from Manchester: “She seems to go along with a lot of Trump’s policies, which I don’t agree with.”

The anti-Trump sentiment in Maine presents both opportunities and challenges for Jackson. While it provides a sense of purpose and urgency to his campaign, it also risks alienating moderate voters who may not identify with the party’s more progressive wing. A recent poll by The New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena showed that only 39% of likely Maine voters approved of Trump’s job performance since his return to the White House.

Collins has sought to brand Jackson a “Bernie bro,” highlighting his long relationship with Bernie Sanders, but this may be an attempt to distract from her own voting record. Her support for Brett Kavanaugh and the president’s $70 billion bill for federal immigration enforcement defines her legacy. “She has served Donald Trump,” Jackson said in Bangor, echoing the sentiments of many Mainers who feel betrayed by Collins’ votes.

The stakes are high not just for Democrats but also for Maine itself. If Collins wins, it will be a testament to her ability to adapt and pivot in a rapidly changing electoral landscape. But if Jackson prevails, it will be a resounding rebuke of Trumpism and a testament to the power of progressive politics.

What’s at stake is not just a Senate seat but also the very soul of Maine. The party must now rally behind Jackson, flaws and all, to create a coalition that can reach across the state and win over voters who have grown disillusioned with the establishment. “We’re just going to carry Jackson in there because we absolutely need the policies he stands for,” said Alan Blake, a 74-year-old Democrat from Thomaston.

As the campaign hurtles toward its conclusion, one thing is clear: Maine’s electoral landscape has never been more unstable. The outcome will depend on whether Democrats can find a way to overcome their internal divisions and appeal to a broader electorate. Will they be able to create a coalition that can win over ticket-splitters and disenchanted moderates? Or will Collins’ brand of Trump-backed politics prevail?

The answer lies in the hands of Maine voters, who must decide whether to reward or reject the status quo. As Jackson said in Bangor, “We all have eyes.” The question is, do they see what’s at stake?