Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson faced off again Thursday night in a testy second debate, trading sharp accusations over the Iran conflict and rising costs as their closely watched Senate race enters its final stretch.
The hour-long exchange, hosted by WMTW, was more combative than their first meeting earlier in the week. Both candidates doubled down on familiar themes: Collins touted her independent streak, while Jackson repeatedly linked her to President Trump’s record.
Collins, seeking a sixth term, emphasized moments she has broken with her party, including votes on health care and infrastructure. But Jackson, a state senator from Allagash, countered that her voting record on key issues—especially the 2018 confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh—shows a willingness to side with Republican leadership when it matters.
The debate came as polling averages from Decision Desk HQ show Jackson leading by just over a percentage point in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent national elections. Jackson entered the race after the party’s initial nominee withdrew over the summer, and he has been working to consolidate support among progressives and independents.
On foreign policy, the two diverged sharply over the U.S. approach to Iran. Collins defended her support for military strikes against Iranian targets, arguing they were necessary to deter aggression and protect American interests. Jackson accused her of being too quick to back military action and called for a more diplomatic strategy.
Domestically, inflation and the cost of living dominated the exchange. Collins pointed to federal investments and tax relief she said would ease pressure on Maine families, while Jackson blamed corporate price gouging and criticized Collins for voting against measures to cap costs on prescription drugs and other essentials.
Immigration also resurfaced, with Jackson hammering Collins over her votes on border security and her past support for ICE funding. Collins defended her record, insisting she supports legal immigration and has worked to secure the border without abandoning humanitarian values.
The race remains one of the most competitive in the country, with national Democrats pouring money into Maine in hopes of flipping a seat that has been held by Collins for decades. Republicans, meanwhile, see her as one of their best chances to hold a blue-leaning state.
As the candidates prepare for their final push, Thursday’s debate may provide the last major set-piece moment before voters head to the polls. With the margin so tight, both campaigns will be scouring the footage for clips that could energize their bases or sway undecided voters.
For more on the broader midterm landscape, see how Michigan's Senate hopefuls clashed in their own debate, and check out the former president's campaign stops in Tennessee.
