Live updates: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson debate for the first time
Jackson and Collins Clash in First Maine Senate Debate, Highlighting Deep Divides
In a highly anticipated first face-off, Democratic challenger Troy Jackson and Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins stood together on stage Tuesday night for a televised debate that laid bare the stark contrasts in their visions for Maine and the nation. The event, held on October 6, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in a race that has seen unusually high stakes, with Collins seeking her sixth term and Jackson aiming to capitalize on Democratic momentum following the dramatic withdrawal of the original nominee.
The debate began with opening statements that set the tone for the evening. Collins, drawing on her Caribou roots and nearly three decades in office, emphasized her experience and legislative achievements, particularly her role on the Appropriations Committee. She highlighted securing $1.5 billion for 672 projects across Maine, underscoring her commitment to bringing federal funds home. “You work hard, and I work hard every day for you,” she said, framing her tenure as a testament to effective governance.
Jackson, a 58-year-old logger and former state Senate President, countered with a more aggressive approach, immediately targeting Collins’ record on national issues. He opened by criticizing her 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, noting the timing on the eighth anniversary of that decision. “Susan Collins has had 30 years to show whose side she’s on,” Jackson declared, positioning himself as a fighter for ordinary Mainers against what he called the “billionaire class.”
Throughout the night, the candidates clashed over a range of pressing issues, from healthcare and the economy to foreign policy and immigration. Healthcare emerged as a central battleground. Collins defended her record, asserting she had never voted to cut Medicaid or Medicare and opposing Medicare for All as too costly and disruptive to private insurance. Jackson, however, accused her of failing to address rising costs for Mainers, pointing to her support for the Republican-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which included Medicaid cuts. In a memorable exchange, Jackson likened Collins to an arsonist who sets a fire and then claims credit for bringing water, highlighting her vote to advance the bill before opposing its final passage.
The cost of living sparked another heated debate. Collins blamed state leaders, including Jackson during his time as Senate President, for Maine’s high electricity bills, arguing that local policies were the root cause. Jackson retuned the focus to federal issues, arguing that Collins had not sufficiently stood up to former President Donald Trump’s policies, such as tariffs and the Iran War, which he claimed were harming Mainers. On tariffs, Collins touted her success in exempting road salt from Trump’s Canada tariffs, a move she said would benefit northern communities, but Jackson dismissed it as insufficient given the broader economic impacts.
Foreign policy and national security also took center stage. Collins expressed support for maintaining U.S. aid to Israel but acknowledged the need to end the Iran War, noting she had voted nine times to conclude it. Jackson, however, accused her of initially enabling the conflict by voting against ending it early on, promising to avoid being a “blank check” for any president. On immigration, the candidates diverged sharply regarding ICE. Jackson invoked the case of Johan Duran Sebastian Guerrero, a Biddeford man killed by an ICE agent, blaming Collins’ support for $70 billion in ICE and Border Patrol funding. Collins countered that the figure was exaggerated and emphasized the need for reforms rather than abolition, stating, “You cannot abolish ICE.”
The debate also touched on corruption allegations that have shadowed the race. Collins firmly denied claims from a ProPublica investigation into a potential pay-to-play scheme involving her inner circle, calling the reporting “false” and dismissing the allegations as outrageous. Jackson pressed her on the issue, noting that Trump had ended an FBI probe into the matter. In response, Collins brought up an ethics complaint against Jackson related to his use of an Augusta home while in the Legislature, though the Maine Ethics Commission had cleared him of campaign finance violations.
A lightning round revealed areas of agreement and disagreement. Both candidates supported more AI guardrails, restrictions on data centers, and access to mifepristone for abortions. However, they split on voter ID requirements—Collins in favor, Jackson opposed—and on the level of U.S. support for Israel, with Collins advocating for the status quo and Jackson calling for less, albeit with nuance.
As the debate concluded, the candidates delivered closing statements that encapsulated their core messages. Collins reiterated her focus on bipartisanship and tangible results, highlighting the Social Security Fairness Act she helped author. “To be effective in the Senate, you need knowledge, experience, seniority, and relationships,” she said. Jackson, meanwhile, stressed his connection to everyday Mainers, declaring, “I don’t owe Donald Trump and the billionaires anything. I owe the people of the state everything.” He emphasized his legislative record on issues like prescription drug costs and abortion access, vowing never to forget his roots.
The evening ended on a lighthearted note when the moderator asked about the New England Patriots’ playoff prospects, with Collins teasing Jackson over his allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both candidates left the stage smiling, but analysts noted that the debate likely solidified existing positions rather than swaying undecided voters. With three more debates scheduled, the race remains tight, with Jackson polling slightly ahead but Collins outspending him on airwaves. This first encounter underscored the high stakes and deep divisions defining Maine’s 2026 Senate election.
