Collins and Jackson trade sharp attacks in second Maine Senate debate
Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson met for their second debate, trading barbs over the Iran war and rising costs. Collins said she had repeatedly voted to end the conflict, while Jackson accused her of benefiting financially from it; she called the charge outrageous and demanded an apology. Polling averages show Jackson narrowly ahead, with two more debates planned before Election Day.
The WMTW-hosted matchup lasted an hour and revisited abortion, immigration, and the economy. Jackson entered as the Democratic nominee after the party’s earlier choice exited during the summer. Decision Desk HQ averages placed him slightly ahead of Collins, a five-term Republican, in a state that leans Democratic. Two additional debates are set for later this month.
During the exchange, PolitiFact described Collins’s assertion about nine war-ending votes as selective, noting five instances when she opposed such measures. Jackson offered no specific proof for his claim that Collins profited from the conflict. Her husband, Thomas Daffron, holds Boeing and RTX shares; a spokesperson said Collins has never owned individual stocks as senator and his investments are handled independently.
The debate’s sharp exchange may shape how Maine voters weigh character, ethics, and economic pain before Election Day. With polling tight and more debates ahead, undecided residents could be swayed by claims about war profits or energy costs, while national audiences may see the race as a signal about Senate control. The tone could also affect turnout and trust in campaign discourse, though many voters may already have firm views.