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Susan Collins tells Maine debate she is 'not exactly' Trump's favourite senator as Democrat brands her an 'arsonist'

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026 · last updated 8 October 2026.

Susan Collins told Maine voters she crosses the aisle more often than any other Republican senator, as Democrat Troy Jackson branded her "the arsonist who helped set the fire.
Susan Collins told Maine voters she crosses the aisle more often than any other Republican senator, as Democrat Troy Jackson branded her "the arsonist who helped set the fire.

Republican Senator Susan Collins put clear daylight between herself and President Trump at her first Maine Senate debate on Tuesday, facing off against Democrat Troy Jackson and declaring she is "not exactly his favourite senator." Collins highlighted that she voted with Joe Biden more than 90% of the time and has broken with her own party more often than any other senator, as she battles to retain a seat in a state that has gone against Trump in three consecutive elections. Jackson, who worked as a logger before entering the state legislature, dismissed her independent credentials and branded her a Trump enabler — "helped set the fire," he said, calling her an arsonist.

Collins refused to say whether she would welcome Trump campaigning in Maine — even after Trump told supporters on Monday: 'I think we're going to Maine too.'

Jackson, 58, replaced Graham Platner as Democratic candidate in July after Platner withdrew following sexual assault allegations — leaving Democrats scrambling in a race that could flip the Senate.

Jackson came under fire himself for opposing voter ID requirements, telling the debate he once voted as a logger without carrying his ID.

MoreThe IndependentSusan Collins tells voters she’s ‘not exactly’ Trump’s favorite senatorAPIn first Maine Senate debate, Collins seeks to distance herself from TrumpNY PostGOP Sen. Susan Collins nudges Trump to stay away from MaineThe New York TimesTakeaways From the First Maine Senate Debate Between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson - The New York TimesNY PostTroy Jackson trashes voter ID requirement, relies on big fat binder of notes in first Maine Senate debate with Susan Collins
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