Troy Jackson Defends 'Shut Up' Remark to Sen. Collins After Debate Protest
PBS reported that Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson said he stands by his "shut up" remark to Republican Sen. Susan Collins, made during a televised debate after a protester interrupted, and that he does not regret the comment. The Washington Post said the remark was delivered in the fourth and final debate after a demonstrator shouted about AI data centers and climate change. Fox News noted that the clash followed the protester’s interruption, with both candidates exchanging sharp barbs.
WMTW described that the race featured three televised debates where the candidates sparred over abortion, tariffs, electricity costs, Medicaid, tax cuts and ICE funding. NBC reported that Jackson tied Collins to President Donald Trump in the final debate, while she emphasized her bipartisan record and seniority. MS NOW warned that Collins’s re-election prospects depend on rural turnout and that Trump’s unpopularity could hinder her campaign.