Maine Democrats Nominate Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate

Maine Democrats formally selected former state Senate President Troy Jackson as their nominee for the U.S. Senate on Saturday, July 25, during a party convention in Bangor. Jackson’s nomination aims to unify the party following the abrupt withdrawal of the previous nominee, Graham Platner, earlier this month.

Delegates voted 566 to 5 to nominate Jackson, with Saundra Pelletier receiving the five opposing votes. The outcome was widely anticipated after Jackson secured overwhelming support from the 500 delegates selected at county caucuses the previous weekend. An additional 101 delegates were members of the state party committee.

Jackson, a 58-year-old fifth-generation logger from Allagash, addressed the convention prior to the vote, declaring that Maine needs "a fighter" and "a senator who remembers exactly who sent them there." His speech was met with cheers from delegates.

The nomination launches Jackson into a general election race against Republican Senator Susan Collins, a five-term incumbent. Democrats nationally view the Maine seat as a key pickup opportunity as they seek to regain control of the Senate.

Jackson replaces Graham Platner, who won the Democratic primary in...