On Tuesday, voters across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut will cast ballots in a slate of high‑stakes contests. The elections include two U.S. Senate races, multiple governor’s races, and a handful of ballot questions that could have lasting effects on state policies.
Maine Senate and Governor Races
Incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins seeks a record sixth term in Maine. Collins, the only Republican senator from a state that former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris carried in 2024, faces Democrat Troy Jackson, a former logger who switched parties and now serves as state Senate president. Collins earned 51% of the vote in 2020, her lowest share since her first win in 1996, but Democratic challengers have never broken 44% in her five prior races. If re‑elected, Collins would become Maine’s longest‑serving senator in May 2027.
Jackson entered the race late after the original Democratic nominee withdrew amid controversy. Since July, Jackson has out‑raised Collins, and outside spending totals show pro‑Collins groups have spent $65 million compared with $55 million for pro‑Jackson forces.
The governor’s race pits Democrat Hannah Pingree, former state House speaker and daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree, against Republican Bobby Charles, a former State Department official. Independent state Sen. Rick Bennett also appears on the ballot. Maine’s governorship has alternated parties for 74 years, making this contest especially competitive.
New Hampshire Senate, House and Governor Contests
New Hampshire’s open Senate seat, vacated by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, will be decided between Democrat Chris Pappas, a U.S. House member since 2019, and Republican John E. Sununu, a former senator and member of a prominent political family. Pappas would become the first openly gay U.S. senator if elected. Sununu enjoys name recognition, but Pappas has raised over $23.7 million, far surpassing Sununu’s $5.7 million war chest.
Both candidates have attracted significant outside spending, with groups spending more to oppose Pappas than to support Sununu. Housing affordability has emerged as a central issue in the campaign.
President Donald Trump endorsed Sununu in February, though the Republican candidate has recently sought to distance himself from the president, citing concerns about Trump’s declining approval rating. Pappas, a moderate Democrat, also emphasizes his independence from party establishment figures.
In the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Stefany Shaheen, daughter of the retiring senator, faces Republican Anthony DiLo. The governor’s race will determine whether Republicans retain a “trifecta” of control over the governorship and both legislative chambers.
Other State Races and Ballot Measures
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont will close polls at 8 p.m., while Vermont’s polls close at 7 p.m. In New Hampshire, polling times vary by town.
In Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, Democratic state auditor Matt Dunlap will challenge former two‑term Republican Gov. Paul LePage. LePage has a slight fundraising edge, but Dunlap remains competitive.
Maine continues to use ranked‑choice voting for federal elections. Voters rank candidates, and if no one secures a majority, the lowest‑ranked candidate is eliminated and their votes reallocated until a winner emerges. This system also applies to Senate and 2nd District races due to declared write‑in candidates.
What Voters Should Know
Polls close at 8 p.m. in most states, with some New Hampshire towns opening at midnight and closing shortly after all voters have cast a ballot. Voters should verify their polling locations and bring proper identification.
These elections could shift the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53‑47 majority. Defeating Collins in Maine and flipping New Hampshire’s open Senate seat would be critical steps for Democrats seeking to regain control.
Local residents are encouraged to participate, as the outcomes will influence both national representation and state‑level policies ranging from education to housing affordability.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
