Collins and Jackson clash over Iran war and campaign funding as Maine Senate race tightens
In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson met for their third televised debate, trading barbs over the Iran conflict and the need for small campaign contributions. Jackson accused Collins of supporting President Trump's war in Iran, while Collins noted she voted to limit war powers after the conflict exceeded 60 days and defended her request for $5 donations. The race remains close, with recent polls showing a narrow lead for Jackson in some surveys and an even split in others, while Collins holds a financial advantage with over $11 million cash on hand. Voters are also hearing Jackson’s criticism of Collins’s ties to Trump and her past Supreme Court votes, as both candidates vie for a seat that could affect the Senate's partisan balance.
Why it matters
The outcome could tip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, influencing national legislation and policy direction.
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Collins holds narrow lead over Jackson in latest Maine Senate poll
- Sep 28 Columnist Joe Concha says Democratic Senate candidate Abdul el Sayed is trying to please both pro-Palestinian voters and broader Michigan constituents, even if it means compromising his principles.
- Oct 2 The Georgia Senate debate turned sharply personal as Ossoff pledged to repeal Trump-era tariffs and accused Collins of siding with the president. Collins defended the tax cuts tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and blamed the Inflation Reduction Act for inflation. Both candidates clashed over data-center subsidies, with Ossoff linking Collins to a billionaire donor and Collins returning the charge. The discussion also covered the ongoing conflict with Iran and a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai plant, while each candidate faced accusations of extremist associations.
- Oct 3 A Rasmussen Reports poll now shows El‑Sayed leading Rogers 47% to 44%.
- Oct 6 The first debate between Collins and Jackson is scheduled for Oct. 6.
- Oct 7 The first debate was held, with both candidates trading barbs and no clear winner emerging.
- Oct 9 The first televised debate between the Michigan Senate hopefuls was held Thursday night.
- Oct 9 A debate between Graham and Andrews is scheduled for October 11.
- Oct 10 Trump posted on Truth Social after the debate, claiming Rogers completely dominated and calling El‑Sayed a jihadist lunatic.
- Oct 11 Donald’s campaign edited its website to cut eight Trump mentions and moved a Trump photo to a less prominent spot.
- Oct 11 President Trump announced a seven‑state rally tour starting on Oct. 1 ahead of the midterm elections.
- Oct 12 Collins publicly accused Ossoff of using Georgia to launch a 2028 presidential bid.
- Oct 14 Former President Barack Obama released a video endorsement for Troy Jackson.
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