Collins and Jackson trade barbs in first Maine Senate debate, race remains tight

In Portland, Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson faced off in the opening of a four‑debate series for Maine’s Senate seat. The candidates exchanged attacks over issues such as the state’s cost of living, a tax bill that reduced health‑care programs, and ethics questions surrounding a halted pay‑to‑play probe. Jackson highlighted Collins’s past support for legislation that cut Medicaid funding, while Collins pointed to her vote against the final version of the bill and an amendment that funded rural hospitals. Polls continue to fluctuate between a narrow Jackson lead and a slight Collins edge, and Collins is outspending Jackson on television advertising.