Collins, Jackson Clash Over Donors and Independence in Heated Maine Senate Debate
The two candidates traded personal barbs on issues of party loyalty, campaign finance, and their connections to national political figures during their fourth debate.
Incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson engaged in a fiery fourth debate Thursday, marked by personal attacks and sharp disagreements over campaign donations, party loyalty, and their political independence.
Jackson, the former Maine Senate president, questioned Collins' record and her alignment with President Donald Trump. He challenged her to identify instances where she had opposed Trump's agenda, prompting Collins to cite her opposition to the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Collins stated she had organized to vote against Hegseth, but a last-minute change by another Republican led to his confirmation.
"Senator Collins likes to have it both ways," Jackson countered. "I mean, the reality is that 100% of the time when Donald Trump needs her, Susan Collins is going to be there. That has happened time and time again."
Collins, in turn, questioned Jackson's commitment to rejecting billionaire donors, pointing to campaign finance records. Jackson admitted to having such donors but asserted he had not made any deals with them, adding, "I’m going to tax those billionaires when I get to the U.S. Senate." He did not specify the alleged agreements he was referring to.
Jackson defended his own independence by highlighting instances of conflict with Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills during his time in the state Senate, noting that she had vetoed 40 of his bills.
Collins disputed Jackson's characterization of her voting record, stating that while he claimed she voted with Trump 92-94% of the time, this figure only accounted for a third of the votes, and her actual alignment was 72% of the time.
The debate also took a personal turn when Jackson, a former logger, alluded to Collins looking down on his working-class background. "Growing up as a working-class person, I have all kinds of experience," Jackson said. "And so, I guess, you know, what I'm curious about — is it just me that you look down on, or is it working-class people overall?"
Collins rejected the accusation, emphasizing her own working-class roots and early jobs. "Troy, I do not look down on you or on anyone. I grew up in Caribou. My first job was picking potatoes," Collins responded. "I have worked since I was age ten, literally since I was age ten. I have enormous respect for all the people of Maine."
The exchange occurred as the campaign enters its final stretch before the Nov. 3 general election, with control of the U.S. Senate a key outcome at stake. The candidates have met for three prior debates, with control of Congress for the final two years of Trump's presidency on the ballot.