Maine Democrats to Nominate Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate

Maine Democrats are poised to formally nominate former state Senate President Troy Jackson as their candidate for U.S. Senate, capping a rushed process to replace scandal-plagued former nominee Graham Platner. Jackson effectively secured the nomination after his supporters dominated delegate elections over the weekend of July 18-19, prompting his major rivals to suspend their campaigns.

The state Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention in Bangor on Saturday, July 25, where approximately 600 delegates are expected to select Jackson. While delegates are not legally bound to vote for a specific candidate, an overwhelming majority of those elected have committed to supporting him. His only remaining qualified opponents for the convention ballot are environmental policy consultant David Costello and pharmaceutical executive Saundra Pelletier, both of whom have minimal delegate support.

Jackson’s rapid consolidation of support followed the abrupt withdrawal of Platner, who had won the Democratic primary on June 9. Platner relinquished the nomination on July 10 after facing an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied, leaving the party scrambling to select a new...