SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Democrat Jordan Wood’s campaign motto — “Maine needs courage, not concern” — is a dig at longtime incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 72, who he hopes to unseat in 2026.

But Wood, 36, a former congressional staffer, faces a competitive primary next June featuring better-known, fellow first-time candidate Graham Platner and two-term incumbent Gov. Janet Mills .

At a town hall in South Portland, his 17th since launching in April, Wood told his audience of 70 people Tuesday night that Collins has been his senator since he was in second grade.

“Susan Collins has been our senator for 30 years, and these issues around affordability, specifically affordable housing, childcare, they have not just continued,” Wood said. “But they have gotten insurmountable for so

See Full Page