Maine Democrats chose Troy Jackson as their nominee for U.S. Senate at a convention in Bangor on Saturday. Jackson, a former state Senate president, will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in November. He replaces Graham Platner, who suspended his campaign earlier this month.
Delegates voted 566 to 5 in favor of Jackson at the nominating convention held at the Bangor Cross Insurance Center. The selection came after Platner ended his bid following an allegation of rape from a former girlfriend in 2021, which he has denied.
Jackson, a fifth-generation logger from northern Maine, delivered an acceptance speech emphasizing economic populist themes. "They will say that a grassroots campaign, powered by working people, cannot defeat Susan Collins and every powerful interest standing behind her. They are wrong again," he said.
The race is seen as competitive for Democrats seeking to gain Senate seats this fall. Collins has held the seat for 30 years and reported $11 million in cash on hand, while Jackson's campaign said it raised more than $1 million since he entered the race.
Some Republican critics noted that Jackson received no votes from the general public, drawing comparisons to the 2024 selection of Kamala Harris. Jackson did not mention Platner by name but said there is a place in the campaign for all supporters.
