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Live fact-checking Susan Collins and Troy Jackson in second debate for U.S. Senate in Maine

2026 Midterms Voting Record
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, left, is running for reelection in 2026 and faces a challenge from Democratic candidate Troy Jackson, the former president of the Maine Senate. (AP)
By PolitiFact Staff
October 8, 2026

In the closely watched race for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat, incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson will meet tonight for their second debate this week.

PolitiFact live fact-checked the debate live with our partner WMTW, the debate’s host.

To suggest a claim for us to fact-check from tonight’s debate, email truthometer@politifact.com. If you prefer a morning roundup of the night’s most notable claims, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. 


Our Sources

Maine’s Senate race: How to watch debate between Collins, Jackson – WMTW

Read our fact-checks of Collins and Jackson, and of the Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican PAC, and WinSenate, a Democratic PAC.

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