Hopes that Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) would waltz to re-election after her scandal-plagued Democratic opponent Graham Platner stepped aside dissipated Wednesday morning with the release of a new poll, reports show.
The data show former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has vaulted into the lead against the incumbent Republican, signaling a competitive general election battle, according to a WGME.
A University of New Hampshire survey shows Jackson leading Collins 49 percent to 46 percent —a three-point advantage sitting just outside the margin of error.
The result represents a stunning reversal for Collins, who was expected to cruise to a comfortable victory once her original Democratic challenger imploded.
Jackson enters Saturday's Democratic nominating convention as the clear frontrunner. He secured endorsements from a substantial majority of delegates selected during county caucuses and has already locked in support from Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban, who suspended his own campaign.
The report notes, "Jackson also enters the convention as the favorite after securing the support of a large majority of delegates selected during last weekend's county caucuses."
The Maine race has suddenly become a national flashpoint. According to WGME, Fox News now lists Maine as one of just four genuine toss-up Senate seats with the potential to determine which party controls the chamber next year. Alaska, Iowa, and Ohio round out the competitive battlegrounds.
Collins' vulnerability reflects broader Republican struggles heading into the midterms. What appeared to be a safe seat has transformed into a legitimate battleground.