Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson Emerges as Democratic Nominee to Challenge Susan Collins
Troy Jackson is set to become the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine, facing incumbent Republican Susan Collins in a race that could affect Senate control.
Former state Senate President Troy Jackson is expected to secure the Democratic nomination for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat after a state convention in Bangor, following the withdrawal of primary winner Graham Platner amid a sexual-assault allegation. Jackson, a longtime legislator from Allagash, will contend with Republican incumbent Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term and whose re-election is viewed as a key target for Democrats aiming to gain control of the Senate.
Jackson has framed his campaign around opposition to Collins’ record, accusing her of aligning with President Donald Trump and supporting policies he says favor corporations and the wealthy. He highlighted her votes on tax cuts, the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and positions on issues such as immigration and labor rights.
Collins’ campaign responded by likening Jackson to Platner, calling his statements “low-energy” and accusing him of factual inaccuracies. > "Troy Jackson is showing us the low-energy version of the Graham Platner campaign," Collins spokeswoman Blake Kernen told NBC News.
Democratic strategists note that Jackson’s familiarity with rural northern Maine could help him narrow Collins’ margins in the 2nd Congressional District, though they stress the need to improve performance in the more affluent Portland suburbs. Fundraising remains a challenge; Jackson’s campaign has raised just over $1 million since July, while Collins’ campaign reported $11 million on hand as of June.
National Democratic leaders, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, indicated the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will back the nominee after the convention. Meanwhile, Republican consultants expect the race to focus on the candidates’ legislative records rather than personal attacks.
Jackson’s supporters describe him as a champion of working-class interests, while Collins has characterized him as aligned with democratic socialists and a “Bernie bro.” The contest will test whether Jackson can broaden his appeal beyond his traditional base to persuade voters who have repeatedly supported Collins in past elections.