Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson is facing renewed scrutiny from Republicans following the resurfacing of a 1988 police report detailing accusations of assault and pushing his longtime partner. Jackson, a former state Senate president, was selected by Maine Democrats just weeks ago to replace Graham Platner, who withdrew from the race last month amid rape allegations, which he denied.
Jackson is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a key Senate race that could influence the GOP's slim majority. The Republican National Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee have targeted Jackson, drawing parallels between him and Platner, and questioning Democratic leadership's support for the nominee.
The 1988 police report, first reported by the Bangor Daily News, alleges that a then-19-year-old Jackson was involved in a late-night confrontation in Fort Kent, Maine. According to the report, Jackson kicked in a door and assaulted another man, causing a cut to his face. The report also states that Jackson's longtime partner, Lana Pelletier, who is also his second cousin and with whom he shares two adult children, told officers at the time that Jackson "pushed her around."
Pelletier has since stated that she does not recall making the statements attributed to her in the report and asserts they are inaccurate. She told Fox News Digital that she and Jackson have built a life and family together over the past four decades and that he has grown into a dedicated advocate for Maine. She also criticized personal attacks on her family and contrasted Jackson's dedication with Collins' tenure in Washington.
Jackson acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying, "Nearly forty years ago, when I was 19 years old, I got into a fight with another man. I took responsibility for it then, and I take responsibility for it now." He added, "I have never been violent with my partner Lana, or any other woman. This happened nearly four decades ago, and I assure Mainers this incident in no way reflects the man I am today or the life I've led in the years since."
The Jackson campaign stated that the case was resolved with a $50 fine. However, The Maine Wire has reported that a man claims to have witnessed Jackson strike Pelletier in a separate incident years ago.
Jackson, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, replaced Platner after a contentious primary. He is campaigning on a platform that includes raising taxes on billionaires, advocating for Medicare-for-all, and opposing U.S. aid to Israel. His nomination has led to concerns among some Democrats about the vetting process, particularly after the withdrawal of Platner.
Senator Collins, the incumbent, is the only Republican senator seeking re-election in a state that President Trump lost in 2024. A recent Fox News poll indicated Jackson holding a narrow two-point lead over Collins.