Augusta, Maine - Incumbent Republican Senator for Maine Susan Collins faced off against her Democratic competitor, Troy Jackson, in the first of four scheduled debates.

During the hour-long debate, Collins desperately tried to put distance between herself and the record of President Donald Trump, while Jackson repeatedly attempted to skewer her on the cost of living and abortion.

If the Democrats want to regain control of the Senate in the November midterms, the seizure of Maine from the near-30-year incumbent will be crucial.

"It matters who you stand with," Jackson said during his opening statement. "I don't owe Donald Trump and the billionaires anything. I don't fight for billionaires like she does."

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Struggling to get behind a president who is historically unpopular, Collins was forced to simply point out where she had pushed back against Trump and tout federal funding she has secured for projects across Maine.

Jackson pointed out that Collins has voted alongside Trump's MAGA Republicans approximately 96% of the time. In particular, he attacked her for supporting Trump's "Big Beautiful" funding bill.

She denied the accusation and said Jackson "knows I voted against President Trump's signature legislative accomplishment."

"Senator Collins is like an arsonist who helped set the fire, and she wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put it out," Jackson responded. "She could have stopped it."

Collins centered her attacks on Jackson around what she called a "failed" state Senate career and his supposed lack of experience.

"To be effective in the Senate, you need knowledge, experience, seniority, and relationships. That combination has allowed me to pass bipartisan legislation," she said.

"Tonight, Senator Collins has told us how powerful she is," Jackson responded. "But power means nothing if you won't use it when the people may need it."