Susan Collins’ Maine concession could leave New England without a Republican in Congress for the first time since the 1850s

Sen. Susan Collins conceded to Democrat Troy Jackson early Wednesday, ending a 30-year Senate career. Her loss could leave New England without a single Republican in Congress for the first time since the party was founded.

Collins called Jackson shortly after midnight. “It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Maine in the United States Senate,” she said in a statement from Bangor. “I called Troy Jackson tonight to congratulate him and to assure him that my staff and I will work to ensure a smooth transition.” NBC News projected Jackson the winner, though the Associated Press had not called the race as of 1 a.m. ET.

Jackson told supporters in Portland that he thanked Collins for her service and “wished her and her family well.” He will be the first Democrat to win a Senate race in Maine since 1988.

A streak that started with the party

Whether the shutout happens now depends on one race. In Maine’s 2nd Congressional........

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