Candidates for Maine governor Troy Jackson, Bobby Charles exchange jabs in Auburn debate

The unusual 1-on-1 event featured heated exchanges on immigration and other issues.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Maine gubernatorial candidates Democrat Troy Jackson and Republican Bobby Charles faced off in a heated debate in Auburn, trading barbs on immigration, affordability, drug addiction, and more. The rare one-on-one event came months before the party primaries and offered a chance for the two to boost their campaigns in a crowded race to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

Why it matters

The debate highlighted the stark policy differences between the two candidates and their contrasting approaches to key issues facing Maine. It also provided an early glimpse into the potential general election matchup, as Jackson and Charles seek to distinguish themselves in a crowded field of candidates.

The details

During the debate, Jackson accused Charles of "race-baiting" and making "hypocritical statements", while Charles said Jackson "didn't address problems" during his time in the legislature. The two also sparred over immigration, with Charles defending recent ICE raids and Jackson criticizing the agency's tactics. On affordability, Jackson said he would focus on property tax reform and lowering prescription drug costs, while Charles wants to eliminate the state income tax.

  • The debate took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The party primaries in Maine are scheduled for June 9, 2026.

The players

Troy Jackson

A Democrat and former Maine Senate president who is running for governor.

Bobby Charles

A Republican and former U.S. assistant secretary of state who is running for governor.

Janet Mills

The current Democratic governor of Maine who is term-limited and running for the U.S. Senate.

Deqa Dhalac

A Democratic state representative from South Portland who is originally from Somalia and has been criticized by Charles.

Nirav Shah

The former director of the Maine CDC who is leading among likely Democratic primary voters according to the latest poll.

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What they’re saying

“He's been going around calling people a drain on society and that they're part of the problem. It's just constant race-baiting with this guy.”

— Troy Jackson, Democratic gubernatorial candidate (centralmaine.com)

“I support ICE fully and unequivocally because they have operated under the Constitution.”

— Bobby Charles, Republican gubernatorial candidate (centralmaine.com)

“Whatever that report is, I'm interested to see it because I was brought in … to clean up that place and you know what I did? I did that.”

— Bobby Charles, Republican gubernatorial candidate (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

Charles has already issued a challenge for Nirav Shah, the Democratic frontrunner, to debate him as well.

The takeaway

The heated debate between Jackson and Charles provided an early glimpse into the potential general election matchup in Maine's gubernatorial race, with the two candidates staking out sharply contrasting positions on key issues like immigration and affordability.