Maine Democrats Nominate Troy Jackson to Challenge Senator Susan Collins

Maine Democrats convened in Bangor on Saturday to nominate a new candidate for the U.S. Senate after the party’s original nominee, Graham Platner, ended his campaign following a sexual-assault allegation. The delegates selected former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson, a fifth-generation logger, who has secured the support of most elected delegates and sees his primary opponents largely withdrawn.

Jackson’s platform emphasizes economic populism, including Medicare for All, higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy and large corporations, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also backs federal protections for LGBTQ rights and a federal right to abortion, noting a shift from earlier, more conservative positions.

State Senator Stacy Brenner said Jackson’s evolution on reproductive-rights issues reflects his responsiveness to constituents’ concerns. While some media reports have highlighted Jackson’s occasional confrontational style, party leaders have not publicly opposed his candidacy.

The race pits Jackson against five-term Republican incumbent Susan Collins, who holds a substantial fundraising advantage with about $11 million cash on hand, compared with Jackson’s reported $1 million raised since announcing his run. Democrats view the contest as a key opportunity to gain one of the four Senate seats needed to retake control of the chamber.

"This campaign is powered by people who are sick of watching billionaires and corporations buy influence while working families get screwed," Jackson said in a statement.

With roughly 100 days before the November 3 election, Jackson will need to expand his fundraising and voter outreach to challenge Collins, who has represented Maine for three decades.