Troy Jackson Replaces Graham Platner As Maine’s Democratic Nominee
Topline
Former state Senate president Troy Jackson was picked as Maine’s Democratic nominee Saturday morning, replacing former nominee Graham Platner who faced a series of controversial allegations including sexual assault, toxic relationships and disturbing behavior.
Jackson received the nomination Saturday.
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Key Facts
The Maine Democratic Party voted in Jackson as its nominee, setting up a battle with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in November that could decide whether Democrats gain control of the Senate.
Jackson will have just over 100 days to build his campaign while Collins will likely benefit from Platner’s fall and her status as a five-term incumbent.
“Today we turn the page,” Jackson said during his acceptance speech, adding, “We are not from the left. We are not from the right. We’re from the bottom, and we are rising.”
Jackson received votes from 566 delegates while another candidate, Evofem Biosciences CEO Saundra Pelletier, received five votes.
Tangent
During Friday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, President Donald Trump said“I think Platner might’ve done surprisingly well because we’re in the age of Trump.” The president also said Platner “didn’t defend himself well.”
Who Is Troy Jackson?
Jackson has worked in Maine politics for about 25 years. He served multiple terms in the state’s House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008 and was a state senator from 2008 to 2024. Jackson voted against marriage equality in 2009 and supported anti-abortion measures through 2013, according to the Maine Morning Starwhich noted that as president of the Maine Senate from 2018 to 2024, Jackson voted for bills to expand abortion access. He has also backed legislation seeking to expand child care, bolster labor standards, reduce drug prices and allow loggers and haulers to bargain together, the Star reported.
Key Background
Platner clinched Maine’s Democratic nomination earlier this year, just a few months before The Maine Monitor reported old comments made by Platner on discussion platform Reddit, some of which included slurs and insults against rural voters. In June, The New York Times spoke to multiple women who accused Platner of physical intimidation, infidelity and disturbing comments. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., one of Platner’s largest backers, maintained his support for the nominee despite the report. Following the report, Platner told supporters at a rally, “As every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated, and weaponized, you have my back.” Allegations mounted against Platner by July, when Politico published a report in which a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021. Platner then lost his endorsements and faced calls for a withdrawal, which he eventually followed through on this month.
Further Reading
Platner Withdraws From Maine Senate Race After Sexual Assault Allegation (Forbes)
Bernie Sanders Backs Graham Platner After Allegations Of ‘Toxic’ Relationships (Forbes)
