Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson says he has no regrets about telling Republican Sen. Susan Collins to “shut up” during their final debate Thursday, arguing that he would not tolerate what he viewed as an accusation that he had orchestrated a protest against her. Jackson made the remarks during an interview on CNN’s State of the Union that aired Sunday.

The confrontation began when a protester opposing data centers interrupted Collins as she spoke. As moderators called for the demonstrator to be removed, Collins remarked that the protester was “obviously one of Troy’s supporters.” Jackson immediately responded, “Oh, shut up. I don’t even know that kid.”

The protester was identified as Henry Elgie, a 19-year-old Bowdoin College student and member of the Sunrise Movement, a progressive environmental advocacy group that supports the Green New Deal. The organization publicly praised the volunteer’s actions, while Elgie told The New York Times he had “zero coordination” with Jackson’s campaign and did not know the candidate personally.

Jackson maintained that Collins had accused him of arranging the disruption and said he was surprised when the protester began shouting. He acknowledged that he and Collins had shaken hands after their previous debates but said he would not apologize for the exchange.

“What I’m not going to be is talked down to by Sen. Collins,” Jackson told CNN. He added that he was “fighting for Mainers” and felt Collins had once again spoken to him disrespectfully.

Collins offered a different interpretation of the incident during an appearance Friday on Fox News’ Hannity. She said Jackson’s response was revealing because it appeared to come automatically.

“The fact that it seemed like such an automatic, quick reply was very telling,” Collins said. She also raised concerns about Jackson’s reputation in the Maine Legislature, particularly in disagreements with women.

Jackson has faced previous criticism from lawmakers who described him as having a temper. One reported incident involved him throwing a plastic water bottle to the ground during a disagreement with a female lawmaker. Jackson previously accepted responsibility for his behavior in past confrontations and apologized to those involved, explaining that he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Asked about renewed criticism of his treatment of women, Jackson blamed Republicans for spending millions of dollars attacking him and his family with what he characterized as false claims. He said the latest controversy did not surprise him.

The dispute adds another personal clash to an increasingly contentious Senate contest. Collins, who is seeking a sixth term, is the longest-serving Republican woman in Senate history, while Jackson is a former president of the Maine Senate seeking to unseat her. Maine voters will decide the race on Nov. 3.