GoKawiilMaine Senate race between Collins and Jackson turns on data center backlash
The contest between Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson has become a referendum on data center expansion in Maine, after the Legislature's proposed moratorium on large facilities was vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills in April. Towns across the state have since passed local moratoriums or put the issue to voters, and a September UMass Lowell/YouGov poll found 76 percent of Mainers oppose a data center in their community. Spending on the race is projected to reach $81 million from Democrats and $114 million from Republicans, much of it tied to the data center industry.