Former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile has dismissed emerging reports about Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson fathering children with his cousin as "salacious gossip" and "innuendos." Brazile stated she does not want to report on information that might not be true, particularly on such a personal matter.
Jackson, who became the Democratic nominee for the Maine Senate race after a previous candidate withdrew, is facing scrutiny following a report alleging his longtime partner, Lana Pelletier, with whom he has two children, is his second cousin. The report by The Maine Wire indicates Pelletier's father is a cousin of Jackson's mother.
Brazile, a prominent figure in Democratic politics, told Fox News Digital that she is unfamiliar with the specifics of Mr. Jackson's situation and wishes him luck in the upcoming election. "There are so many lies," Brazile said, "I don't really want to comment on salacious gossip — innuendos."
This development adds another layer of turmoil to an already challenging Senate race for Democrats, who aim to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The race was previously disrupted when former candidate Graham Platner withdrew earlier in the summer following various controversies, including an allegation of rape.
Amidst the recent reports, a 1988 police report also resurfaced, accusing Jackson of assault in an altercation involving Pelletier. Pelletier, however, has stated that any attributed comments to her in the report are inaccurate and defended Jackson, asserting they have built a life and family together over decades.
Jackson's campaign has accused Senator Collins' team of fabricating the allegations about his family as a "shameful and desperate" tactic to damage his candidacy. However, Jackson has not directly denied the claims that Pelletier, the mother of his two children, is his cousin. The campaign has not responded to recent requests for comment on the matter.