Maine Democrats are expected to nominate Troy Jackson as their U.S. Senate candidate to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins, with the state party convention set to confirm him on Saturday. Jackson, a former state Senate president, is on a clear path to the nomination after primary winner Graham Platner withdrew from the race following allegations of rape.
The Maine Senate race is considered a key contest that could influence control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections. Collins, seeking her sixth term, faces a challenging political environment, though she has a history of defeating Democratic challengers.
Jackson, a former conservative Republican who switched to the Democratic party over two decades ago, has garnered significant support from party delegates. He previously ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. His campaign platform includes raising taxes on billionaires, supporting Medicare for All, and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also opposes military aid to Israel.
Jackson's quick rise has led to some concerns within the party about the vetting process. Reports have surfaced regarding allegations of temper and workplace conduct, as well as past mortgage improprieties and a strict anti-abortion stance from his earlier political career. Some Democratic strategists expressed reservations about the party's nominee selection process, with one anonymously telling Fox News Digital that it was a "rocket vetting process."
Platner, who had garnered support from progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, withdrew from the race earlier this month after a report detailing a rape allegation from a former partner, which he denied. Before Platner's withdrawal, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills had also suspended her own Senate campaign.
Republicans have criticized the process, with the Republican National Committee spokesperson Kristen Cianci calling it a "sham" and a "rigged nominating process to crown Platner 2.0 without a single vote being cast."
Collins, known for her moderate Republican stance, has recently faced criticism from Democrats regarding her 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and her support for ICE funding, particularly after a recent fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents in Maine.
Despite the internal party concerns and Republican criticism, Jackson has secured the backing of influential progressive groups, including Our Revolution, and has strong support from Maine labor unions. His campaign has also received endorsements from former allies of Platner.
Polling data suggests a competitive race, with one University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll indicating Jackson holding a slight three-point lead over Collins, within the margin of error. The race has been ranked as a toss-up by Fox News Power Rankings.