Takeaways From the First Maine Senate Debate Between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson

Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, faced off against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in their first Senate debate. Collins, who is considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the midterms, emphasized her independence from her party and President Trump. According to The Guardian US, she stated she was not the president's "favorite senator" and highlighted that she had voted with Democrat Joe Biden, then president, more than 90% of the time.

Collins also pointed out that she had voted against her own party more than any other senator, and brought up her pro-choice position and her vote against one of President Trump's signature actions. The Hill reported that Collins used the debate to spotlight times she’s bucked her party.

The debate took place in Maine, a state that has voted against Trump three times, and comes as Collins faces a tough re-election bid against Jackson.

Brief written by urgent.news from The New York Times, The Guardian US, The Hill — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.