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In Maine Senate race, women voters could be the deciders
Race reset
The race has moved from a primary shock to a broader general-election question about coalition building. Jackson now has to convert a changed and somewhat disrupted campaign into a persuasive statewide case against Collins.
Voter groups
NPR’s focus on women voters signals that demographic groups may be decisive in a close contest. That matters in Maine because small shifts in turnout or preferences can have outsized impact in a Senate race.
Democratic challenge
For Democrats, the challenge is to turn the replacement episode into a strength rather than a liability. If Jackson can appear credible, grounded, and responsive to local concerns, the party may still keep the race competitive.
What to watch
The next stretch of the campaign will likely be defined by issue framing, especially around cost of living and voter identity. Collins remains formidable, so Democrats need Jackson to gain trust quickly and consistently.