Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Troy Jackson of Maine is facing new scrutiny over his long-term relationship with a second cousin, Lana Pelletier, with whom he shares two adult sons, according to genealogical records reviewed by independent journalist Steve Robinson of The Maine Wire.
Jackson, who secured the Democratic nomination on July 25 to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, replaced Graham Platner after Platner withdrew from the race amid sexual assault allegations. Jackson’s relationship with Pelletier—who is not legally his wife—has raised questions about financial disclosure requirements for Senate candidates, as Maine does not recognize common-law marriage.
Immediate developments
Jackson’s campaign confirmed the relationship in updated materials, describing Pelletier as his partner, though older biographies had previously referred to her as his wife. The couple, who are from Allagash, Maine, share two adult sons, Chace and Camden, and descend from the same great-grandparents, Thomas Pelletier and Edith Thibodeau.
Financial disclosure implications
Under Senate ethics rules, candidates must disclose their own finances as well as those of a spouse. Because Jackson and Pelletier are not married, it remains unclear whether Jackson’s financial disclosures must include Pelletier’s assets or income. As of this week, Jackson had not filed a Senate financial disclosure or requested an extension, according to reporting by The Maine Wire.
Jackson paid $4,600 in late state income taxes in 2023 after a tax lien over debt dating back to 2020. A Republican lawmaker also filed an ethics complaint in 2023 alleging Jackson misrepresented his residency by listing Allagash as his home while purchasing a residence in Augusta.
Political context and replacement
Jackson’s nomination followed Platner’s exit after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, a claim Platner denied. The race is considered one of the most competitive in the country, with Republicans committing $42 million to defeat Jackson through the Senate Leadership Fund. Collins has framed Jackson’s agenda as socialist, while Jackson has positioned himself as a fifth-generation logger from rural Maine.
Reactions and broader discussions
The relationship between Jackson and Pelletier, while legal in Maine, has sparked debate online. Some critics highlighted the unusual nature of the arrangement, while others noted that cousin relationships are not uncommon in rural communities. The issue has also drawn comparisons to Platner’s scandals, with some Republicans suggesting Jackson’s candidacy reflects broader challenges for Democrats in finding viable candidates.
Jackson’s background includes serving as president of the Maine Senate from 2018 to 2020, transitioning from the Republican Party to independent and later Democratic affiliations. His campaign has not publicly addressed the financial disclosure questions raised by the relationship.