Susan Collins has scant claim to ‘County roots’ | Opinion

Maine’s 2026 Senate Race Highlights Deep‑Rooted Economic and Cultural Divides

Aroostook County, Maine – As November 2026 approaches, the state’s U.S. Senate race is drawing attention to the stark contrasts that define northern Maine’s economy, history, and political culture. Incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins faces challenger Democrat Troy Jackson, a former state House speaker whose background is rooted in the region’s logging and labor communities. The contest is being framed by local media as a test of the growing influence of Donald Trump’s base in the rural Northeast.

Candidates and Their Roots

Susan Collins, a 58‑year‑old longtime U.S. Senator, has served in the Senate for more than two decades. Her family has long been tied to the lumber industry that once dominated Aroostook County’s economy. The Collins family began operating a sawmill on the Aroostook River in 1844‑45 and, over generations, built a network of timber enterprises that continue to influence the region’s politics and economics. Donald Collins, Susan’s father, served as mayor of Caribou, Maine, while her uncle, Samuel Wilson Collins Jr., was a Republican lawyer who later worked in the U.S. War Department after World War II.

Troy Jackson, a 48‑year‑old state legislator, is known for his work as a logger and a union organizer. He served as speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and has been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and rural development. Jackson’s platform focuses on expanding federal assistance, investing in infrastructure, and supporting Maine’s declining manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Economic Landscape of Northern Maine

Aroostook County, often called “The County” by locals, is a largely rural region that depends on potato farming, timber, and small‑scale manufacturing. The county has been identified as one of the poorest in the United States, with a high rate of out‑migration of young people seeking opportunities elsewhere. Despite its agricultural output, the area struggles with limited access to quality education, healthcare, and federal funding.

The Collins family’s wealth is a prominent feature of the county’s social structure. Their holdings include expansive farmland, timberlands, and a network of commercial enterprises that have helped them maintain substantial influence over local government. The family’s elite lifestyle—private jets, multi‑million dollar homes, and private schooling for younger members—has drawn scrutiny from residents who point to disparities in wealth and opportunity across the county.

Cultural and Historical Context

The region’s history is intertwined with the legacy of Maine’s 1919 English‑only law, which prohibited the use of French and Wabanaki languages in public schools. The law’s impact on the indigenous Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey (Maliseet) peoples continues to be felt today. Activists in the area emphasize the importance of language preservation and cultural sovereignty in the face of ongoing economic challenges.

A recent local news article, published on August 2, noted that the Senate contest “doubles as a test of Trump’s base,” underscoring the broader national trend of rural voters aligning with the former president’s populist rhetoric. The piece also highlighted the historical tension between “owner classes” and laborers in the region, suggesting that the election could signal a shift in how these dynamics play out at the federal level.

Key Issues for the Campaign

• Federal Funding and Infrastructure – Both candidates have emphasized the need for increased federal support for rural highways, broadband, and community services.
• Economic Revitalization – Jackson stresses the importance of expanding manufacturing jobs and diversifying the county’s economy beyond traditional industries. Collins has pointed to her record of supporting business incentives and tax relief.
• Environmental Stewardship – With the logging industry facing regulatory scrutiny, the candidates differ on how to balance economic interests with forest conservation.