Troy Jackson tells Susan Collins to 'shut up' in Maine Senate debate

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 03:02 · Archive

Democratic candidate Troy Jackson told Republican Senator Susan Collins to 'shut up' during their final Maine Senate debate on Thursday night at a Bangor theater. The exchange followed an interruption by a data center protester as Collins was speaking. When moderators asked the protester to be removed, Collins suggested the demonstrator was 'obviously one of Troy's supporters.' Jackson responded with the disputed comment.

The debate was the last of four meetings between the candidates, who are competing for a seat considered crucial to the fight for Senate control. It featured several testy exchanges over the national debt, Collins's relationship with the Trump administration, and the candidates' respective roles in partisan divisions. The two candidates did not acknowledge each other when the debate ended. Maine's Republican Party described Jackson's comment as 'unacceptable behavior' on social media.

Party loyalty featured prominently in the debate. Collins cited her efforts to oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination as defence secretary and said she had organised Republicans to vote against him, though she acknowledged he was confirmed. Jackson countered that Collins votes with Trump whenever needed, while Collins accused Jackson of being a guaranteed Democratic vote. Jackson disputed this characterisation, saying Collins's independence was overstated.

How it is being reported

• Troy Jackson tells Susan Collins to 'shut up' during heated Maine Senate debateThe Maine Senate campaign between Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican Sen. Susan Collins is heating up.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 02:43
• Troy Jackson tells Susan Collins to 'shut up' during heated Maine Senate debateThe Maine Senate campaign between Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican Sen. Susan Collins is heating up.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 02:43

In this story: Troy Jackson · Susan Collins · Donald Trump · Maine · Republican Party · Democratic Party

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem