Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate, told CNN’s “State of the Union” that he does not regret his blunt response to Sen. Susan Collins during their final debate Thursday night. When a protester shouted while Collins was speaking, Jackson replied, “Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid,” after Collins suggested the demonstrator was a supporter of his campaign.
Protest details and campaign response
The protest occurred as the two candidates wrapped up a closely contested race ahead of the November 3 election. The demonstrator, identified by the New York Times as 19‑year‑old Bowdoin College student Henry Elgie, said he had “zero coordination” with Jackson’s campaign and did not know the candidate personally. The Sunrise Movement, a left‑wing advocacy group that promotes the Green New Deal, posted on Instagram that the outburst came from one of its volunteers, expressing pride in the action.
Jackson emphasized that he had no prior knowledge of the protester’s identity. “She said that it was a Troy supporter. She accused me of setting that up. I had no idea who it was,” he said in the interview. He added that he shook hands with Collins after each of their debates and that he would not be “talked down to by Sen. Collins.”
Collins’ reaction
Sen. Collins, the longest‑serving Republican woman in Senate history, told Fox News host Sean Hannity that she was “struck by how reflective the response, ‘Oh, shut up,’ was,” noting that the quick reply was “very telling.” She referenced Jackson’s reputation in the Legislature, particularly when dealing with women who disagree with him, saying the exchange did not surprise her.
Past criticisms and campaign context
Some state lawmakers who have worked with Jackson have previously criticized his temperament, citing an incident in which he threw a plastic water bottle on the floor during a disagreement with a female colleague. When asked about these past confrontations, Jackson said he “wears his heart on his sleeve,” acknowledging the incidents and apologizing to those involved at the time.
Jackson also addressed recent Republican claims that he has been aggressive toward women in the Legislature, describing the attacks as “untrue” and noting that opponents have spent “millions” trying to damage his and his family’s reputation.
Election outlook
The debate interruption and ensuing exchange have added another flashpoint to a race that remains tightly contested as Maine voters prepare to head to the polls on Nov. 3. Both candidates continue to campaign vigorously, with Jackson focusing on issues such as health‑care affordability, job creation, and protecting Maine’s natural resources, while Collins emphasizes her seniority and experience in Washington.
As the election draws near, the incident underscores the heightened emotions and partisan tensions that have characterized the campaign. Voters will have to weigh the candidates’ policy positions, personal conduct, and the broader national political climate when casting their ballots.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
