PORTLAND AND HALLOWELL — Some Maine voters said they’re relieved after Democrat Troy Jackson defeated incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, part of a Democratic wave that swept the country.

Rene Dupont, an Augusta resident, said on Wednesday that when he went to bed Tuesday night, he was worried that Collins would win.

When he turned on the news on Wednesday morning, however, he was “ecstatic” to see Jackson’s win.

“I was tired of Susan’s ‘concern’ and just going along with the Republican Party no matter what Trump did — ballroom, arch, golf courses, all that,” Dupont said. “And I’m just glad to see Democrats have the majority now.”

Despite his initial worry, Dupont said he wasn’t that surprised when he learned Jackson won.

“I think people have started to see behind the Republican Party, they’re just – they’re running on fear and exclusion rather than inclusion and hopeful[ness],” Dupont said.

Unofficial results show Jackson, a former state lawmaker, earning 54% of the vote to Collins’ 46%. The win in Maine was one of many across the country for Democrats in a key midterm election.

Other voters in Portland also said they weren’t surprised by Jackson’s win, though they were worried at first.

“I thought maybe the money would talk that came into the state,” said Maine voter Nancy Davidson. “But I am so elated that the people talked over the money.” 

With Jackson heading to Washington, University of Southern Maine student Royal Simon said she hopes Jackson keeps fighting for abortion rights.

“I’m really hoping that he is going to keep on with women’s health rights,” Simon said. “As a man, it’s important to support women, especially when you’re in a position of power. And I think it needs to be brought up more, especially since Susan Collins didn’t really seem to do that.”

In Hallowell, Sarah Webster of Waterville described herself as “thrilled” with the blue wave that swept the country.

“I think for Maine the thing I like most about Troy Jackson is he’s for the working people and not for the billionaires,” she said.

Galyna Syrota of Hallowell said she’s hopeful Jackson and others will bring about change.

“Nobody likes the war, nobody likes the prices where they are at and everybody wants just to live their lives and be happy,” she said.

For independent Steve Solloway, also of Hallowell, the election results came as a surprise. He says he’s no fan of either party, particularly the divisive rhetoric.

“We need to rebuild bridges,” he said. “This country is too divided. Right now, we need reconciliation. We need to work together.”