Susan Collins Calls for Removal of Attack Ad Targeting Troy Jackson

The U.S. Senate race in Maine escalated on October 21, 2026, after the Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican-aligned super PAC, released a radio and television advertisement targeting Democratic nominee Troy Jackson. The ad uses a country song to mock Jackson's 40-year relationship and children with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier, calling him a "freak" and a "creep" while claiming that if he would "screw his own family, he'll screw yours, too."

Senator Susan Collins distanced herself from the advertisement and called for its immediate removal, stating that the campaign has seen too many personal attacks. However, Jackson's campaign demanded an apology from Collins, noting that she had previously mentioned the family relationship during a September interview with Politico and has attacked the lobbying activities of Jackson's son. Lana Pelletier responded to the ads in a Bangor Daily News op-ed, criticizing the exploitation of her family.

Simultaneously, Democratic-aligned groups, including the WinSenate super PAC, have aired advertisements linking Collins to Jeffrey Epstein. Collins described these claims as "absurd" and "character assassination," arguing that her opponents have sunk to a new level of personal attacks.