Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Troy Jackson of Maine is facing scrutiny after state records show he co-sponsored legislation to direct $13.4 million in public funds to the Maine Maritime Academy while his son, Chace Jackson, was registered as a lobbyist for the institution.
Jackson’s son first registered as a lobbyist for the academy in December 2022, according to state records. In 2023, the elder Jackson supported a bill providing the academy with an additional $2 million annually, which took effect. In 2024, he co-sponsored a separate bill allocating $13.4 million to the institution, though that measure passed the Maine Senate but was not signed into law. Before his son’s lobbying registration, Jackson also backed a 2022 bill that provided a one-time $6.8 million payment to the academy for building repairs.
Lobbying and Legislation Timeline
- Early 2022: Jackson supported a $6.8 million one-time funding bill for the Maine Maritime Academy.
- December 2022: Chace Jackson registered as a lobbyist for the academy.
- 2023: Troy Jackson co-sponsored a bill securing $2 million annually for the academy, which was enacted.
- 2024: Troy Jackson co-sponsored a $13.4 million funding bill for the academy, which passed the Senate but was not signed into law.
Political Responses
A spokesperson for Jackson’s gubernatorial campaign stated: “Troy Jackson has fought for working Mainers, and [is] guided by one goal: fixing our broken system so Maine's working families stop getting squeezed while the rich get richer.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) criticized Jackson, with press secretary Bernadette Breslin stating: “Troy Jackson authored Augusta’s failed status quo and has turned public office into a family affair of self-enrichment. He’ll always prioritize personal kickbacks over the needs of working Mainers.”
Background on Troy Jackson
Jackson previously served as president of the Maine Senate and was a gubernatorial candidate before replacing Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee in the U.S. Senate race against incumbent Susan Collins. His son, Chace Jackson, renewed his lobbying registration for the Maine Maritime Academy in January 2024, coinciding with his father’s 2024 funding proposal.
The Maine Maritime Academy is a public college in Maine offering maritime education and training programs. The institution has historically received state funding for infrastructure and operational support.