Collins and Jackson Clash Over Iran War and Kavanaugh in Heated Maine Debate

Key points

• The second debate between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson took place on Thursday night in Portland, Maine, following a Tuesday night event.
• Jackson accused Collins of profiting from the Iran war, claiming she and her husband benefit from the conflict despite her recent votes to end it.
• Collins defended her record, stating she is not Trump’s 'favorite senator' and has secured exemptions for Maine products like road salt from Canadian tariffs.
• Jackson criticized Collins for voting to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, arguing it led to the overturning of abortion rights, while Collins defended her 2018 vote.
• Polls show the race is neck-and-neck, with the outcome potentially deciding which party controls the U.S. Senate.

Background

This is the second of four scheduled debates in a closely contested race. Previous coverage noted that Collins has consistently distanced herself from President Trump, citing her opposition to the Iran war and Canadian tariffs. Jackson, a former Maine Senate president, was selected as the Democratic nominee in July after the initial candidate, Graham Platner, dropped out over sexual misconduct allegations. The race is considered pivotal for Senate control, with Maine having not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since the 1980s.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times highlighted the 'testy' nature of the debate, focusing on Jackson’s accusation that Collins is profiting from the Iran war and her subsequent demand for an apology. CNN emphasized the strategic differences, noting Collins’s focus on her 'effective leadership' in securing federal funds versus Jackson’s attempt to nationalize the race by linking her to Trump and the Kavanaugh vote. CBS News focused on Collins’s defense of her independence, noting her claim that she is not Trump’s 'favorite senator,' while Jackson argued she has not effectively pushed back against the administration. WMTW provided logistical details on how to watch the debate, noting it was the second of four events and highlighting the candidates' contrasting approaches to the Iran war and tariffs.

Why it matters

The Maine Senate race is a critical battleground for determining control of the U.S. Senate in the 2026 midterms. The outcome will influence the legislative agenda on issues such as abortion rights, immigration, and trade policy. The debate highlights the deep divisions between the candidates on national issues and the importance of local economic concerns in a state that has historically leaned Democratic but has elected a Republican senator for decades.

What to watch

Collins and Jackson are scheduled to debate two more times next week. The race remains neck-and-neck in polls, with the outcome potentially determining which party controls the Senate. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont is set to visit Maine this weekend to hold three rallies for Jackson.