Troy Jackson Tells Susan Collins to ‘Shut Up’ During Tense Maine Senate Debate
Democratic candidate Troy Jackson and Sen. Susan Collins clash in a heated final Maine Senate debate, marked by a viral outburst and intense campaign rhetoric.
POLICY WIRE — Bangor, Maine — Democratic Senate hopeful Troy Jackson directed a blunt command to Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins to “shut up” during their final televised debate on Thursday night. The confrontation occurred in a Bangor theater as the two candidates vied for a pivotal seat in the upcoming election.
The event was briefly disrupted when a protester began shouting about data centers while Collins was speaking. After the senator suggested the demonstrator was aligned with her opponent, Jackson retorted, “Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid.” The Maine Republican Party subsequently labeled the remark as unacceptable, though the Jackson campaign opted not to provide a formal response.
Throughout the evening, the candidates sparred over the national debt, Collins’ alignment with the Trump administration, and the broader issue of political polarization. Collins defended her record by citing her efforts to oppose the nomination of Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, while Jackson countered that the senator consistently supports the administration when it matters most.
Financial disclosures revealed a significant fundraising push, with Jackson reporting $20.4 million in third-quarter contributions compared to $5.2 million raised by Collins. Despite the incumbent’s early financial lead, the race remains a critical battleground for control of the U.S. Senate.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
