Troy Jackson Secures Democratic Nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine

BANGOR, Maine – Former state lawmaker and logger Troy Jackson won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Maine, setting the stage for a contest with longtime GOP Senator Susan Collins in November. The outcome may influence the control of the Senate.

Jackson stepped in after Graham Platner, who won the Democratic primary in June, withdrew earlier this month following an allegation of sexual assault, which Platner denies. Maine Democrats gathered on Saturday to nominate a new candidate to compete against Collins.

Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and a fifth-generation logger from northern Maine, received strong support from progressives. During a nominating convention, he emphasized the need for organized action to make those in power listen. The event saw the participation of hundreds of Democratic delegates in Bangor, chosen during county party meetings.

“When the people in power refuse to listen, you have to organize, you have to stand in solidarity, together. And you have to make them listen,” said Jackson.

Maine law permitted party officials to select a new nominee by Monday, as required, 99 days before the election on November 3. Delegates overwhelmingly backed Jackson, who advocates for Medicare for All and dismantling Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He secured 566 out of 571 delegate votes.

Jackson’s prior political journey includes running for office as a Republican in 2000, trying for the Maine House of Representatives, and eventually winning as an independent in 2002. He switched to the Democratic Party in 2004 and progressed to become the Maine Senate president before departing in 2024. Earlier this year, Jackson ran for governor in the Democratic primary, with support from Platner and national progressive figures.

Once Platner exited the race on July 10, several former candidates expressed interest in replacing him. However, most withdrew, leaving Jackson as the clear favorite. Early endorsements for Jackson came from progressives supporting Platner before the allegation against him surfaced.

Our Revolution and Bernie Sanders, who endorsed Jackson for governor and Platner for Senate, shifted support to Jackson upon Platner’s departure. Jackson had managed Maine operations during Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.

The remaining contender was Saundra Pelletier, a women’s health company CEO, who faced tough competition against Jackson’s political experience.

Securing the Senate is crucial for Democrats, requiring victories in key races like North Carolina, Alaska, and Ohio, plus maintaining seats they currently hold. Maine plays a pivotal role in their strategy.

The Democratic primary in Maine highlighted the progressive challenge to establishment-backed candidates. Despite several controversies, Platner previously defeated Gov. Janet Mills and other opponents with endorsements from Sanders and others, but lost support after the assault allegation.

Senator Collins criticized Jackson’s alignment with socialist views and depicted him as a close follower of Sanders’ policies. Jackson, needing to appeal to Maine’s independent voters, also faces a fundraising challenge against Collins, who has amassed over $16 million, compared to Jackson’s recent $1 million tally.

“We’re not from the left, we’re not from the right. We’re from the bottom, and we are rising,” Jackson stated.

AP journalist Nathan Ellgren in Washington contributed to this report.