Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has gained more than two-thirds of delegates ahead of the state Democratic convention in Bangor. His two main rivals have suspended their campaigns in the race to replace Graham Platner as the party's Senate nominee.
Jackson won strong support across county meetings, with over 400 of the 601 delegates pledging to back him at the upcoming convention. The outcome followed the withdrawal of nominee Graham Platner less than two weeks earlier amid denied allegations of sexual assault.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah ended their bids as Jackson's lead grew. Shah endorsed Jackson and urged party unity to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Jackson, a logger from northern Maine with ties to Sen. Bernie Sanders, has campaigned on populist themes including Medicare for All. He told supporters at a Sunday rally that the movement must expand to win in November.
The Democratic convention is scheduled for Saturday. Collins is seeking a sixth term with a fundraising edge and long record of statewide wins.
