On July 25, 2026, Troy Jackson was selected as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine, following the withdrawal of Graham Platner due to a sexual assault allegation. Jackson, a former state lawmaker and logger, will face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming November election.
Graham Platner won the Democratic primary in June but stepped down from the race earlier this month after being accused of sexual assault, which he denies. The Maine Democratic Party convened a special nominating convention to select a replacement candidate, with Jackson emerging as the clear favorite after securing overwhelming delegate support.
At the convention, Jackson received 566 out of 571 votes, defeating only one other candidate, Saundra Pelletier. His campaign is backed by progressive groups and he has previously run for governor. Jackson's nomination comes at a critical time as Democrats aim to flip the Senate seat in a state that has shown competitive tendencies in recent elections.
Jackson's nomination is seen as a significant opportunity for Democrats to challenge Collins, who is viewed as vulnerable in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent elections. The outcome of this race could impact the balance of power in the Senate.
Left-leaning perspective
Left-leaning perspective
Left-leaning perspective
Right-leaning perspective
Right-leaning perspective
Right-leaning perspective
“History is repeating itself in Maine. Troy Jackson will be crowned by @MaineDems this weekend without a single vote being cast.”
“Democracy, while sometimes really messy, is always, always worth fighting for…doing what is right is what us Maine Democrats will choose every damn time.”
Right-leaning perspective
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