Troy Jackson, the Democratic candidate vying for a U.S. Senate seat, is embroiled in a controversy over his relationship with Lana Pelletier, who reports indicate is his second cousin.
Jackson, a politician and lobbyist, has emphasized his family's deep roots in the state, including a lineage of loggers. News of his relationship with Pelletier, his high school sweetheart and the mother of their two adult children, surfaced from reports citing genealogical records and local tipsters. These sources suggest they share common great-grandparents, Thomas Pelletier and Edith Thibodeau. The Maine Wire initially reported these findings.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Jackson's campaign had not responded to requests for comment regarding the reports as of publication. Jackson was reportedly in Washington as the news broke.
This development comes as Democrats aim to unseat Senator Susan Collins in a race considered critical for retaking the Senate, with less than 100 days until Election Day. The controversy could prove politically damaging for Jackson's campaign.
While Maine law does not prohibit second cousins from marrying, and Jackson and Pelletier are not officially married, the news has drawn public attention and commentary. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace and former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer have publicly commented on the situation on social media. Online reactions have included memes and puns, with some users questioning the Democratic party's response to such relationships.
Jackson was selected as the Democratic nominee to replace Graham Platner, who had been involved in a previous scandal.