Watch live: Collins and Jackson face a key Maine Senate debate
Reported by PBS News · October 15, 2026
Debate set for Thursday evening
Collins and Jackson will meet on the debate stage Thursday in a race drawing close attention during the midterm election cycle. The debate is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EDT, with a live stream from Maine Public.
The contest is rated a Toss Up by the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. That assessment underscores the significance of the race as both candidates seek support from Maine voters.
Collins seeks another term
Collins, a Republican, first won election to the Senate in 1996 and is running for a sixth term. In an earlier debate with Jackson, she emphasized her independence from President Donald Trump.
Jackson became the Democratic nominee
Jackson, a former logger and state senator, also served as president of the state Senate. He was not Democrats’ first choice to challenge Collins.
Key points
- The Collins-Jackson debate begins Thursday at 7 p.m. EDT.
- Maine Public will stream the debate live.
- Collins is seeking her sixth Senate term.