Crisis caused by career Augusta politicians came under spotlight and show why a new direction is needed.
Auburn, Maine-
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles emerged as the clear winner of tonight’s debate, drawing a stark contrast between real solutions for Maine and Troy Jackson’s inability to defend his 22 years as a career politician in Augusta.
When pressed repeatedly to explain why crime is rising, drugs are flooding Maine communities, and families feel less safe, Jackson avoided direct answers and defaulted to defending the same failed system he has helped run for more than two decades.
Troy Jackson had 22 years to fix these problems. He didn’t. Tonight, when asked to defend that record, he couldn’t.
Throughout the debate, Charles laid out specific, actionable solutions to issues Maine families face every day:
• Cracking down on violent crime instead of allowing a revolving door that puts criminals back on the street
• Protecting children from abuse, with real reforms.
• Stopping the surge of deadly drugs, including fentanyl, that are devastating Maine communities
• Opposing illegal immigration policies that strain law enforcement, social services, and local resources
By contrast, Jackson struggled to explain how his long tenure in Augusta has produced safer streets, stronger families, or accountability in government.
Families dealing with overdoses, rising crime, and unsafe communities don’t need excuses. They need leadership. And they haven’t gotten it from Troy Jackson.
The debate underscored a central reality of this race: Troy Jackson represents the past, a system that has failed Maine, while Bobby Charles is offering a new direction focused on law and order, accountability, and protecting Maine families.
Tonight made the choice clear. More of the same from a career politician, or a new direction that finally puts Maine people first.
Charles also challenged Democrat front runner Nirav Shah to a debate on religious freedom and affordability. “Shah failed our state and shut down churches and businesses. He is responsible for housing prices and hard working Mainers losing their jobs. It’s time to debate these issues. You say the time Nirav, I’m there.”
Bobby Charles is building a growing coalition of hardworking Mainers who want a safer, more affordable, and more accountable future. Join him at bobbyformaine.com
Contact
Charles for Maine Communications press@bobbyformaine.com
