October 27, 2026
The Midterm Elections in Maine, October 2026
Jackson & Collins Competitive in Maine Senate Contest... Pingree & Charles Tied in Gov. Contest
The contest for U.S. Senate in Maine is competitive among likely voters, with only two points separating Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Jackson has a nine-point lead among registered voters in the state, an increase from the 4-point edge he had earlier this month. Maine Democrats also have a 5-point edge among likely voters on the generic congressional ballot question. However, their advantage more than doubles among registered voters statewide. In the governor’s contest, Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles are tied among likely voters, with support for Independent Rick Bennett in single digits. Among registered voters, Pingree has a healthy 11-point advantage. The Maine electoral landscape is influenced by negative impressions of President Donald Trump and economic concerns.
- In the U.S. Senate contest in Maine, Jackson receives 49% to 47% for Collins. Among independents who are likely to vote, Jackson (50%) leads Collins (41%). Looking to the broader statewide electorate, Jackson has a 9-point advantage against Collins among registered voters, up from the 4-point edge Jackson had earlier this month. Regardless of whom they support, 58% of likely voters think Collins will be re-elected.
- On the generic congressional ballot question, 52% of likely voters say they support the Democrat on the ballot in their district while 47% support the Republican. The Democrats are +17 points against the Republicans among independents who are likely to vote. Among registered voters, the Democrats' advantage opens up to 11 points, comparable to the 9-point lead held earlier this month. 60% of Maine likely voters say the Democrats will win the election.
- 42% of likely voters report that President Trump is not much of a factor in their congressional ballot. A similar 41% say their vote is a vote against the president, and 16% report their ballot is one in support of President Trump. Among those who say their vote is not impacted by the president, a majority approve of the job he is doing in office.
- Pingree (44%) and Charles (44%) are tied among likely voters in Maine's gubernatorial contest. Bennett receives 6% of the vote, and 6% are undecided. Independents break for Pingree (43% to 35% for Charles and 12% for Bennett). Among registered voters, Pingree has a 11-point lead. Regardless of the candidate they support, 63% of likely voters believe Pingree will actually win the election.
- 42% of likely voters in Maine approve of the job President Trump is doing in office while 58% disapprove. Among registered voters, 39% approve, and 61% disapprove.
- A plurality of likely voters (46%) say their personal finances have gotten worse in the past year. 15% say they have gotten better, and 38% say they have stayed about the same. Democrats (59%) and women (58%) are more likely than Republicans (30%) and men (34%), respectively, to say their family finances have declined during the last 12 months.
For additional data pertaining to the Midterm Elections in Maine, click on the link to the full table packet in the Survey Data button below.
Methodology
This Marist Poll Maine survey of 1,449 Maine registered voters was conducted October 22nd through October 25th, 2026 by the Marist Poll. Registered voters 18 years of age and older residing in Maine were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for registered voters are statistically significant within ±4.1 percentage points. Results for likely voters are statistically significant within ±6.6 percentage points.