The political landscape in Maine is heating up as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Joe Manchin throw their support behind opposing candidates in a closely watched U.S. Senate race. With the midterm elections approaching, the contest between Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson remains highly competitive.
Ocasio-Cortez, representing New York, and Manchin, a former West Virginia senator, epitomize the ideological divide within the Democratic Party. Ocasio-Cortez has stood out as a progressive voice, while Manchin has taken a more moderate, even independent, stance after leaving the party in May 2024. This week, both individuals are campaigning in Maine for their respective candidates in the upcoming elections.
Maine’s Crucial Senate Race
The importance of the Maine Senate race cannot be overstated. Democrats must gain four seats to control the Senate, with Republicans currently holding a 53-47 majority. Collins’ seat is seen as one of the most vulnerable, given that Maine is a state President Trump lost three times, including by seven points in 2024.
The national sentiment leans away from Republicans, attributed largely to Trump’s declining approval and economic dissatisfaction. However, Collins is a seasoned competitor, known for her bipartisan image and her role as chair of the Appropriations Committee.
Opposing Campaign Strategies
Manchin and Collins share a history as Senate allies despite different party affiliations. Manchin has endorsed Collins before, highlighting her centrist and independent approach. Speaking to The New York Times, he acknowledged her as more centrist compared to others.
Conversely, Ocasio-Cortez partners with Jackson in a student-centric town hall organized by More Perfect University in Portland. Jackson, running on a progressive platform, has criticized Manchin’s politics, dismissing him and Collins as false moderates. Jackson aims to challenge the political status quo he believes both candidates represent.
AOC and Manchin: A History of Discord
Ocasio-Cortez and Manchin’s rivalry is long-standing, rooted in opposing policies such as the Green New Deal introduced by Ocasio-Cortez in 2019. Manchin was quick to express his disapproval, labeling the proposal an impractical dream during a CNN interview.
Their disagreements continued post-2020 election, as Manchin criticized progressive calls to defund the police. He distanced himself from what he sees as a radical agenda, labeling the Democratic Party’s shift as excessively leftist.
Maine Race Polling Insights
Latest polls suggest a tight race in Maine. A Suffolk University survey shows Jackson slightly leading Collins by 2 points among 500 voters. Similar results emerged in surveys by InsiderAdvantage and The Washington Post with George Mason University, all highlighting a narrow margin between the candidates.
Historically, Maine polls have underestimated Collins, who defied expectations in 2020 to secure victory. This history keeps the race unpredictable as election day nears.
Recent Campaign Developments
Collins and Jackson faced off in recent debates, marked by interruptions and sharp exchanges. Jackson’s refusal to apologize for a debate remark directed at Collins underscores his resolve to stand his ground. Financial disclosures show Jackson leading in recent fundraising but trailing overall.
High-profile endorsements have added intrigue, with former President Obama supporting Jackson. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Sanders campaigned with him in Maine, while Collins maintains distance from Trump, stating she doesn’t expect a visit from him.
Voting in Maine
Absentee voting in Maine started on October 5 and will continue until October 29. Over 70,000 absentee ballots have already been requested. Polls on election day will operate from 6 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the town size.
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