# Maine Senate Race Heads to Third Debate

> Maine Senate candidates Susan Collins and Troy Jackson face third debate as polls show tight race.
- Title: Maine Senate Race Heads to Third Debate · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Maine Senate candidates Susan Collins and Troy Jackson face third debate as polls show tight race. Maine Senate race between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson…
- Keywords: maine, senate, susan collins, troy jackson, third debate, polling, maine senate race, democratic, republican, 2026 midterms, bangor, wabi
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/maine-senate-polling-susan-collins-troy-jackson-head-third-debate-12561510
- Published: 2026-10-13T15:49:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: maine, senate, susan collins, troy jackson, third debate, polling, maine senate race, democratic, republican, 2026 midterms, bangor, wabi
## Maine Senate Debate Approaches
Senator Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson prepare for third Maine Senate debate on Tuesday.
## Debate Hosted by WABI
The debate will air at 7 p.m. ET on Bangor-based news station WABI, part of a four-debate series.
## Close Senate Race in Maine
Polls show a tight race with Jackson leading by 4 points among likely voters in recent surveys.
## Jackson Leads in Polls
Jackson holds 51 percent support among 1,505 registered voters in a recent Marist University poll.
## Collins' 2020 Re-election
Collins won her 2020 reelection with a slim majority despite trailing in most public surveys.
## Expert Analysis on Debate Style
Professor Dan Shea says Jackson needs more substance and Collins should speak more plainly.

> sharpen his pitch
## Fuel Oil Season Impact
Maine residents use oil for heating, with prices soaring to nearly $6 per gallon amid Iran war.
## Trump's Approval Rating
Trump's approval rating has fallen as voters sour on him due to economic concerns.
## Jackson's Campaign Support
Jackson received endorsements from Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders in final weeks of campaign.
## Collins Opposes Trump's Diesel Plan
Collins joined senators to oppose Trump's plan to import Russian diesel, calling it a financial lifeline for Putin.
## Prediction Markets Show Jackson Ahead
Jackson has a 60 percent chance of winning on Kalshi and 59 percent on Polymarket in prediction markets.
## 2026 Midterms Senate Control
Maine Senate race could determine Senate control for 2026 with Democrats needing to flip four seats.
## Final Debate Preparation
Candidates prepare for final debate as in-person absentee voting begins October 5.
## Key takeaway

Maine Senate race between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson remains competitive with Jackson leading in polls as both prepare for third debate.