Maine Candidate Jackson Won't Apologize to Collins
5 sourcesUpdated Oct 18, 20261 min read
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson said he will not apologize for telling Republican Sen. Susan Collins to "shut up" during their Oct. 15, 2026 debate at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University in Bangor. A protester began yelling while Collins was speaking. As he was removed, Collins said the person was "obviously one of Troy's supporters." Jackson answered, "Oh, shut up. I don't even know that kid." The protester was Henry Elgie, a 19-year-old Bowdoin College student and Sunrise Movement member reportedly protesting data centers. Elgie told The New York Times he had "zero coordination" with Jackson's campaign; the Sunrise Movement confirmed his affiliation on Instagram and expressed pride in his actions. On Oct. 18 on CNN's State of the Union, Jackson told Dana Bash that Collins accused him of setting up the interruption, that he had no idea who it was, and that he felt talked down to. He said he is fighting for Mainers and will not apologize, and that he has had four debates with Collins and shook her hand after each. Contested: Jackson says he did not know the protester and rejects any setup claim; Collins told Sean Hannity on Oct. 16 the "Oh shut up" reply was reflexive and very telling, citing Jackson's reputation in Augusta particularly with women with whom he disagrees. The race impact is unresolved.
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Both candidates should focus on Maine's real problems instead of trading barbs over one protester.
Refusing to apologize shows Jackson lacks the temperament needed for the Senate seat.
Jackson has every right to push back when Collins wrongly pins a protester on him without proof.
