Maine Democrat Considers Senate Run Amid Allegations

Graham Platner is under pressure to exit the U.S. Senate race following rape allegations. Longtime Maine Democrat Troy Jackson has filed paperwork to potentially join the race if the Democratic nomination becomes available. Key Democratic leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have pulled their support from Platner and called for him to end his campaign. Platner, however, denies the allegations and remains in the race.

According to Maine law, Platner must withdraw by Monday, July 13, for Democrats to replace him on the November ballot. If he steps down before this deadline, the state Democratic Party has until July 27 to nominate someone else.

Jackson, who recently lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary, has indicated interest in the Senate by filing a candidacy statement with the Federal Election Commission. He also expressed on social media that he is considering his options in response to the allegations against Platner.

“While I haven’t made any final decisions yet, I’m deeply humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement I’ve received,” Jackson wrote. “I’m currently weighing the best path forward to support our progressive movement and the working-class political revolution Mainers are fighting for.”

Jackson and Platner ran progressive campaigns, often appearing together at events in the 2026 election cycle. Both candidates embraced progressive platforms and received backing from Senator Bernie Sanders.

The allegations against Platner have caused Our Revolution, the organization founded by Sanders, to withdraw its endorsement. Joseph Geevarghese, Executive Director of Our Revolution, emphasized the urgency of ensuring a true progressive remains on the ballot.

“We have days, not weeks, to make sure a real progressive is on this ballot,” Geevarghese stated. “If we do not organize now, we risk watching the Democratic establishment handing Maine a corporate placeholder while the party that just got outvoted decides it knows better. We refuse to let that happen.”

Jackson’s association with Sanders began over a decade ago when he endorsed Sanders in the 2016 Democratic primary, serving as Sanders’ Maine political director. Sanders has continuously supported Jackson’s political endeavors, including his gubernatorial campaign.

During a campaign rally, Sanders highlighted Jackson’s dedication to the working class, recognizing his background as a logger and state legislature member. “Fighting for the working class of Maine is not something new for Troy. That’s what he has done for his entire life,” Sanders said.

A fifth-generation logger, Jackson has been active in Maine’s state Legislature for over two decades, including a six-year tenure as Senate President until 2024. His gubernatorial campaign focused on universal child care, Medicare for all, and establishing a Department of Affordable Housing. His platform secured endorsements from more than 20 labor unions, reinforcing his working-class progressive image.

Despite his progressive stance, Jackson consistently wins elections in one of Maine’s Republican-heavy regions. Representing northern Aroostook County, a district with substantial support for Donald Trump, he credits his success to addressing economic issues that resonate with the working class.

Fox News Digital contacted Jackson for comments. Elaine Mallon, a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covers national politics.