Democratic candidate Troy Jackson has expressed no regret for telling Senator Susan Collins to “shut up” during their recent debate in Maine. The incident occurred after Collins suggested that a protester who interrupted the debate was affiliated with Jackson’s campaign.
In a post-debate interview on CNN, Jackson explained, “She accused me of setting that up. I had no idea who it was.” The protester, who was opposing data centers, began shouting as Collins spoke, prompting moderators to request the individual’s removal. In response to Collins’ claim, Jackson interjected, “Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid.”
The protester, identified as Henry Elgie, a 19-year-old student at Bowdoin College, later stated he had “zero coordination” with Jackson’s campaign and did not know Jackson personally. The Sunrise Movement, a political advocacy group that supports the Green New Deal, claimed the protester was one of its members and expressed pride in their volunteer for taking action.
Jackson, a former president of the Maine state Senate, is challenging Collins, who seeks a sixth term and is the longest-serving Republican woman in Senate history. He emphasized in his interview that he would not allow Collins to “talk down to” him, commenting, “I’m fighting for Mainers and I just think that was another situation where she was talking down to me.”
Following the debate, Collins reflected on Jackson’s outburst during an appearance on Fox News, suggesting it revealed something about his character. She said the quickness of his reply was “very telling” and invoked what she described as Jackson’s reputation in the Legislature for his behavior toward women with whom he disagrees.
Some state lawmakers have previously criticized Jackson for having a temper, citing past incidents, including one where he reportedly threw a water bottle in frustration during a disagreement with a female colleague. Jackson, acknowledging his confrontational approach, stated, “I wear my heart on my sleeve,” and expressed that he takes responsibility for his actions in such situations.
When questioned about Republican narratives addressing his tone and behavior towards women, Jackson noted that his opponents have been spending large sums on what he termed “untrue claims” about him and his family.
The Maine Senate election is scheduled for November 3, with both candidates seeking to rally support in a closely contested race.
