Maine · 2026 Midterms

What's on your Maine ballot

A clear, nonpartisan rundown of the candidates and races Maine voters will decide in the 2026 midterms, with where each candidate stands and how competitive the race is.

Open the interactive guide → Updated August 2026

U.S. Senate, Maine

Jackson vs CollinsToo close to call

Sen. Susan Collins (R) is seeking a sixth term against Democrat Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president. Democrats chose Jackson at a July 25 convention after primary winner Graham Platner withdrew in July. Rated a toss-up and among the most competitive Senate races in the country.

Troy Jackson Democrat

Former president of the Maine Senate; fifth-generation logger from Aroostook County

Toss-uprating · Won the July 25 Democratic nominating convention (AP); polls: Jackson +2-3
  • HealthcareSupports universal health care and lowering prescription costs
  • EconomyWorking-class populist focus; backs labor unions and working families
  • GovernmentRuns as a grassroots outsider taking on wealthy and corporate interests
versus
Susan Collins Republican

U.S. Senator since 1997; chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee

Toss-uprating · Cook & Sabato: Toss-up; holds a large cash-on-hand advantage
  • EconomyEmphasizes federal appropriations delivered to Maine
  • GovernmentPositions herself as a moderate dealmaker and independent voice
  • HealthcarePoints to work on drug pricing and rural health funding

Governor

Pingree vs Charles vs BennettProjected winner

Open seat; Gov. Janet Mills is term-limited and cannot seek a third consecutive term. Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles won the June 9 primaries; independent former Senate President Rick Bennett is also on the ballot.

Hannah Pingree Democrat

Former speaker of the Maine House; former director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation

Favoredrating · Won the June 9 ranked-choice Democratic primary (AP)
versus
Bobby Charles Republican

Former assistant secretary of state under George W. Bush

Underdograting · Won the June 9 Republican primary (AP)
versus
Rick Bennett Independent

State senator and former president of the Maine Senate, running as an independent

Long shotrating · Qualified for the November ballot as an independent

This page is a research starting point, not an endorsement. Ballot Awareness is not affiliated with any candidate, party, or government body. Candidate and primary results are verified against Ballotpedia, the NBC News 2026 election results, and the Associated Press. Race ratings are editorial assessments based on public race ratings (such as the Cook Political Report) and polling, not predictions. Always verify with your official Maine election information before voting.

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