Live updates: Susan Collins and Troy Jackson square off in latest debate

MAINE SENATE CANDIDATES CLASH IN THIRD DEBATE AS ELECTION DRAWS NEAR

PORTLAND, Maine — With just weeks remaining before Maine voters head to the polls in the pivotal U.S. Senate race, Democratic challenger Troy Jackson and incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins faced off Tuesday night in their third consecutive debate, trading barbs over healthcare, energy costs, immigration enforcement, and campaign finance transparency.

The hour-long televised event, hosted by WABI and WAGM, marked the penultimate showdown between the two contenders ahead of their final scheduled debate on Thursday. Both candidates stayed largely within their established policy positions, though moments of tension punctuated an otherwise predictable exchange of ideas shaping one of the most closely watched races in the nation this fall.

Opening remarks quickly turned contentious as Jackson, a former state Senate president from Rumford, emphasized his working-class background and criticized Collins for aligning too closely with President Donald Trump. He specifically cited her initial support for military action in Iran, stating, “Senator Collins said that she voted against it nine times, but she didn’t have the votes. Well, that sounds like then we probably ought to have Democrats in charge of the U.S. Senate so that we have the votes to stop this war.”

Collins, seeking a fifth full term, pushed back by highlighting her legislative achievements and contrasting her approach with what she characterized as Jackson’s inability to achieve tangible results. “There would have been no difference in our votes on those issues,” Collins said. “But here’s the key difference: I’ve been able to negotiate and get certain items removed from the tariff list… Troy would have gotten nothing.”

Energy costs dominated much of the early conversation, with Collins pointing to federal funding she helped secure for rural healthcare programs — specifically referencing a $50 billion allocation included in a recent infrastructure package. “Both of us would have voted ‘no’ on final passage,” she noted, “but I was able to get into the bill a $50 billion healthcare fund for rural healthcare, of which Maine has already gotten $190 million. Troy never would have been able to get that into the bill.”

Jackson dismissed Collins’ claims, accusing her of being beholden to wealthy donors. “Troy has repeatedly insulted my integrity all evening long,” Collins responded sharply when challenged again on donor influence. “I just cannot continue to ignore these attacks on my integrity.”

Healthcare policy emerged as another central theme, particularly around prescription drug pricing and access. Jackson reiterated his strong backing for Medicare for All, arguing that universal coverage ensures every Mainer receives necessary medical care without financial hardship. Collins countered with proposals for incremental reforms aimed at lowering drug costs and expanding existing Medicare benefits rather than implementing sweeping systemic change.

“The government needs to do a better job fighting fraud in the healthcare program,” Collins added, referencing ongoing concerns about waste within federal safety-net programs.

Immigration enforcement sparked one of the evening's more heated exchanges. The discussion centered around U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following the fatal shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford earlier this year. Jackson used the moment to renew his call for abolishing ICE entirely, arguing the agency has proven itself incapable of effective law enforcement. Instead, he proposed redirecting resources toward Customs and Border Protection.

“Sen. Collins, the chair of appropriations, voted to give $70 billion to ICE without the reforms that Mainers deserved,” Jackson said during his closing statement. “Weeks later, blood was spilled in the streets of Biddeford. Sen. Collins paid for the bullets at Donald Trump’s command. Now she wants credit for not pulling the trigger.”

Collins rejected the characterization, emphasizing reforms she has supported over the years, including mandatory body-worn cameras and de-escalation training for federal officers. She also pointed out shortcomings within other agencies, noting that Customs and Border Protection had also been involved in fatal incidents.

“This isn’t about defunding or dismantling institutions,” Collins said. “It’s about ensuring accountability and reform where needed.”

Campaign finance transparency also drew attention after Collins questioned why Jackson, who entered the race in July, had yet to file required reports with the Federal Election Commission. Jackson acknowledged the delay and promised to release his filing the following morning.

“We have no idea who is financing Troy’s campaign,” Collins said.

“I’ll give you the report tomorrow morning,” Jackson replied with a smile.

Despite sharp differences on major issues, both candidates found common ground in acknowledging the gravity of current global conflicts and domestic challenges. On foreign affairs, they agreed that the ongoing Iran conflict posed serious risks to American interests and needed resolution through diplomacy.

“President Trump’s handling of this crisis shows poor planning,” Collins said. “He should have anticipated the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”

As the debate concluded, each candidate delivered closing statements that reinforced their core messages. Jackson framed the choice clearly: accountability versus complicity. Collins painted herself as the pragmatic legislator who delivers results for Maine despite partisan gridlock.

“When you live in a small state like Maine, who you send to Washington really matters,” Collins said. “I have proven time and time again that I deliver for the state of Maine.”

Voters will have one last opportunity to hear directly from both candidates during Thursday’s final debate, co-hosted by Maine Public, NEWSCENTER Maine, and the Portland Press Herald. Recent polling indicates a tightening race, with neither candidate holding a decisive advantage as Election Day approaches on November 4th.