Troy Jackson Wins Maine Democratic Senate Nomination

The Maine Democratic Party nominated former state Senate President Troy Jackson as its U.S. Senate candidate on July 25, 2026. At a special convention in Bangor, Jackson secured 566 of 571 delegate votes, defeating pharmaceutical CEO Saundra Pelletier. He replaces Graham Platner, the original primary winner who withdrew on July 10 following allegations of sexual assault and controversy over a Nazi-linked tattoo.

Jackson, a fifth-generation logger and former Republican, is running on an economic populist platform. His agenda includes Medicare for All, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and ending U.S. military aid to Israel. While Jackson has raised over $1 million, he faces a significant financial gap against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has approximately $11 million in cash on hand. Collins has characterized Jackson as a "Bernie Bro" with socialist positions.

The nomination has faced immediate legal and political challenges. Republican State Representative James White requested that Secretary of State Shenna Bellows investigate Jackson's eligibility, arguing that Maine's laws prevent candidates who lost a different primary in the same cycle—as Jackson did in the gubernatorial race—from seeking another office. Additionally, President Donald Trump attacked Jackson's character, alleging he has thrown bottles at women. Jackson has responded by stating he wears his heart on his sleeve, while continuing to frame his campaign as a movement for the working class against billionaires.