A New York Times/Siena poll conducted Sept. 15–22 among 619 Maine voters found 49% likely to vote for Republican Sen. Susan Collins and 46% for Democratic nominee Troy Jackson. An Aug. 28–Sept. 14 UMass Lowell/YouGov poll instead gave Jackson a five-point lead.
Most of the Times/Siena poll was conducted before a Sept. 22 ProPublica report raised allegations that Collins’ team was involved in a pay-to-play scheme ahead of her 2020 reelection campaign. Collins denies the allegations and called the story a “partisan hit job” and “so offensive.” The FBI reportedly shut down the investigation in 2025.
The poll also found that 12% of Maine voters wanted Democrats to control the Senate but planned to vote for Collins. Across voters surveyed in Maine, New Hampshire and Michigan, 54% preferred Democratic control. The pollster said Collins was viewed more favorably than Jackson and voters believed she had done a good job bringing money to Maine.
