Ask the Senate candidates a question at our upcoming debate
Maine Senate Debate Series Set to Spotlight Key Issues Ahead of Election
In the weeks leading up to the August 5, 2026 election, the candidates for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat have agreed to a four‑session debate series that will give voters a chance to hear directly from Democratic nominee Troy Jackson and incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The debates will take place across a range of Maine‑based stations, allowing residents in different parts of the state to tune in without leaving their homes.
Schedule and Venues
- October 6 (Tuesday) – WGME, the Portland‑area news outlet, will host the opening debate. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will feature a moderator who will ask each candidate a mix of policy and personal background questions.
- October 8 (Thursday) – WMTW, a television station based in Augusta, will host the second debate. The event will again run from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., giving the candidates an opportunity to address the state’s economic and environmental concerns.
- October 13 (Tuesday) – WABI/WAGM in Bangor will bring the third debate to the northern regions of Maine. The 90‑minute broadcast will focus on federal‑state relations and the role of the Senate in shaping Maine’s future.
- October 15 (Thursday) – The final, 60‑minute debate will be co‑hosted by Maine Public Television and the local news‑center platform “News Center Maine.” It will air at 7 p.m. and will be the only debate in which voters can submit questions in advance.
How to Watch and Participate
Each debate will be livestreamed on the respective station’s website, and a live feed will also be available on the Press Herald’s site. For those who want to ask a question directly, a short‑video submission portal is open. Voters can record a brief video, upload it through the provided Google Form, and it may be featured during the live debate. The portal is open until 8:00 p.m. on October 15, giving residents a full week to prepare their queries.
Background on the Contest
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican who has served Maine in the U.S. Senate since 1997, is running for her third term. Her tenure has been marked by a reputation for bipartisan cooperation and a moderate approach to policy. Troy Jackson, a former state representative and the Democratic nominee, has campaigned on a platform of expanding public services, strengthening environmental protections, and addressing the state’s economic disparities.
The debate series comes after a flurry of campaign activity. In a recent interview, Jackson said he sees the debates as a “critical forum for voters to hear both sides and to hold their elected officials accountable.” Collins, meanwhile, has emphasized the importance of a “free and fair dialogue” in a state that values open discussion and informed decision‑making.
Why This Matters
Maine’s electorate has long valued the ability to hear directly from their representatives. The state’s Senate seat has shifted between parties in recent decades, and voters are keen to understand how each candidate plans to address local issues—everything from fishing rights and coastal conservation to healthcare and education funding.
By scheduling debates on four different stations, the organizers have ensured broad accessibility. Residents in the capital, the coastal corridor, and the northern interior all have convenient options to watch, and the public‑question format encourages civic participation.
Next Steps
Voters are encouraged to register early if they plan to attend the debates in person or to mark their calendars for the live broadcasts. The debate series, concluding on October 15, will provide a clear picture of the candidates’ policy positions and debating styles as the election approaches. Whether you’re a seasoned political enthusiast or a casual observer, the debates promise to be a decisive moment for Maine’s future in Washington.
