Maine Democrats formally nominated Troy Jackson as their U.S. Senate candidate on July 25 at a Bangor convention, replacing Graham Platner, who withdrew from the race on July 10 following allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.
Jackson, a former state Senate president and fifth-generation logger, secured the nomination with 566 votes to 5 at the hastily organized convention. His selection comes less than 100 days before the November election, where he will face Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican seeking her sixth term.
Republican super PAC Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) announced a $42 million campaign against Jackson on July 25, including a six-figure ad buy. The group’s 30-second ad claims Jackson is “worse” than Platner, citing past conflicts with women, bullying, and an ethics review over a second home. The ad references reports from CNN, The Hill, and The Portland Press Herald, including a 2023 ethics complaint regarding Jackson’s mortgage.
Jackson Launches First General Election Ad
Jackson’s campaign debuted a 30-second statewide ad on July 27, narrated by Jackson, framing the race as a fight against Collins and the political establishment. The ad highlights his labor background, including blocking foreign labor during a logging dispute, and accuses Collins of failing Maine on healthcare, housing, and wages.
The ad was backed by a seven-figure buy scheduled to begin airing the following week. Jackson’s strategy mirrors Platner’s anti-establishment messaging, positioning him as an outsider challenging Collins, a moderate Republican who has served since 1996 and chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Democratic and Labor Support for Jackson
Jackson’s nomination was swiftly endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and major labor unions, including the AFL-CIO and United Auto Workers (UAW). The UAW announced its support on July 15, with UAW President Shawn Fain stating Jackson “will fight like hell for labor.”
Sanders, who campaigned with Platner and Jackson in 2025, praised Jackson’s working-class roots. Platner’s former staff and volunteers, including Rep. Ro Khanna, also shifted their support to Jackson after Platner’s withdrawal.
Collins Campaigns as Maine’s Moderate Voice
Collins, a centrist Republican, is emphasizing her bipartisan record, including chairing the Appropriations Committee and breaking with President Trump on key votes. Her campaign highlights federal funding secured for Maine, positioning her as a steady leader in contrast to Jackson’s progressive platform.
Maine, a blue-leaning state, is a top Democratic target in the Senate race. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to regain control of the chamber. Collins has never lost an election in her three decades in office.
Timeline and Key Dates
- July 10: Platner withdraws after sexual assault allegations.
- July 15: UAW endorses Jackson.
- July 25: Jackson formally nominated at Bangor convention.
- July 27: Jackson’s first general election ad airs.
- November 5: Election day.
Context: The Platner Scandal and Jackson’s Rise
Platner, a political newcomer, won the June primary on an anti-establishment platform but faced multiple scandals, including problematic online posts, a Nazi symbol tattoo, and abusive relationship allegations. His withdrawal forced Democrats to quickly pivot to Jackson, a longtime state legislator with ties to labor and progressive groups.
Jackson’s rapid ascent has raised questions about his ability to build a statewide coalition in such a compressed timeline. Some Democrats, like former state Sen. Lynn Bromley, note that Jackson’s interparty victory differs from the broader challenge ahead against Collins.
Republican Response: A $42M Counteroffensive
The SLF’s ad campaign frames Jackson as “deranged and scandal-plagued”, citing past conflicts and ethics reviews. The group’s communications director, Chris Gustafson, accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of forcing Platner off the ballot against Maine voters’ will.
The ad buy follows reports of Jackson’s 2023 ethics complaint over a second home, which some Republicans alleged could involve mortgage fraud. Jackson has not publicly addressed the complaint in recent campaign statements.
What’s Next for the Race
Jackson must now expand his coalition beyond progressive and labor voters to compete in Maine’s general election. Collins, meanwhile, is leveraging her incumbency and bipartisan appeal. The $42 million Republican ad blitz signals the race’s high stakes, with both sides preparing for a fierce final stretch.