Troy Jackson, the newly selected Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, is facing criticism for accepting a nomination decided by delegates rather than a statewide vote, a process that stands in contrast to his past advocacy for the national popular vote determining presidential election outcomes.
The Maine Democratic Party's nomination process was altered when the initial candidate, Graham Platner, withdrew his bid amid sexual assault allegations. The party then opted for a convention of 601 delegates to select a replacement nominee.
Jackson, a former state senator, secured the nomination with 566 delegate votes, representing 94% of the support at the convention held on Saturday. Approximately 75% of the delegates were reportedly committed to Jackson before the vote.
Critics, including Kristen Cianci of the Republican National Committee, have accused Jackson of hypocrisy. "It’s become increasingly clear that Troy Jackson will shapeshift into anything he needs to in order to gain power – including abandoning the belief that voters should decide elections," Cianci stated, adding that Jackson is "not a snake-oil-salesman standing ready to sell them out at a moment’s notice."
In 2019, Jackson sponsored legislation that would have directed Maine to award its electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote. At the time, he told local media outlets, "Let’s total all the votes up across the country, and whoever gets the most votes wins; that seems a simple premise to me."
Despite apprehension from some within the party and criticism from opponents, Jackson has stated his intention to represent all factions of the Democratic Party. "There is a place in this campaign for all of you. There is work for you in this movement. And I will spend every day now through November earning that trust, because today we turn the page. Today, this becomes a general election campaign, and today we begin the work of defeating Susan Collins in November," Jackson said following his nomination.
Jackson has also faced scrutiny regarding an alleged incident in 2021 where he reportedly threw a water bottle at fellow Democratic state senator Heather Sanborn, an action for which he has since apologized.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who has experience stepping into campaigns late, endorsed Jackson, highlighting the short timeline he faces before the general election. Jackson will have 101 days between his nomination and the election on November 5.
Jackson's platform aligns with progressive stances, including support for universal healthcare, the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and increased taxes on top earners. He will face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.