Democratic senators have largely stated they are unaware of a recent report alleging that Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson fathered two children with his second cousin. The report, first published by The Maine Wire, has not swayed the party's support for Jackson, who replaced former candidate Graham Platner.
Platner withdrew from the race earlier this summer following allegations of sexual misconduct. Jackson was subsequently selected as the Democratic nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
When asked about the report, several senators demurred or claimed no knowledge of its contents. Sen. Angus King, an independent representing Maine, stated he was unaware of the report and declined to comment. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., said, "I don't know anything about that, but what I do know is that we have got to elect Democrats up and down the ballot." Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., echoed this sentiment, saying, "I haven’t heard of these reports," and added that Jackson is "somebody who's obviously in this fight for working people."
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., focused on the broader goal of electing Democrats, stating, "I think it's super important that we win that seat so that we can put an end to the wild cost increases and rampant corruption that the Senate right now is indulging."
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., when asked about the reports, said, "Haven’t seen it," and initially avoided confirming his support for Jackson, instead referencing a different Senate race. He later stated, "In Maine, we'll see who wins."
Jackson's campaign has characterized the report as a personal attack from the campaign of his opponent, Sen. Collins. "Susan Collins will do anything to distract from the fact that she votes with Trump 96% of the time and has sold out working people in Maine. Personal attacks on Troy's family are shameful and desperate," a previous statement from Jackson's campaign read. The campaign did not provide further comment when contacted for additional information.
Despite the controversy, Democratic senators emphasized the importance of securing a majority in the Senate, viewing races like the one in Maine as crucial to achieving that goal. Alsobrooks stated her support for the Democratic nominee in "every single state" as part of the effort to "take back the House and take back the Senate."