Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson, who is running to replace incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, once joked that he was willing to run as a communist to achieve his political goals. Jackson made the remark in 2017 while explaining his early political affiliation, stating that he initially ran as a Republican in 2000 because his sole focus was on gaining a legislative seat to address issues in his area.
"I would’ve ran as anything, I would’ve ran as a communist," Jackson said to laughter, according to notes from a Cumberland County voter meeting. "I just wanted to get to a place to do something to help the people in my area."
Jackson began his political career with an unsuccessful run for the Maine state House as a Republican in 2000. He then ran as an Independent two years later, successfully defeating Democrat Marc Michaud. Jackson officially joined the Democratic Party approximately two years after that and served as the Maine Senate president from 2018 to 2024.
During his early political career, Jackson held conservative stances on issues such as abortion, gay marriage, and immigration. His platform now advocates for an expansion of government programs. In 2016 and 2020, Jackson served as the political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaigns in Maine.
Jackson has recently sought to appeal to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He was slated to meet with the Maine chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America for a question-and-answer session prior to the convention to select a replacement for former candidate Graham Platner, who withdrew after facing a rape accusation he denied. The meeting was postponed.
Alexis Bittar, a jewelry designer and donor, has supported Jackson, comparing him to Platner and stating that both believe in fighting against corporate lobbying, protecting the working class, advocating for Medicare for All, and opposing U.S. funding for the conflict in Palestine.
According to RealClearPolitics, Jackson holds a narrow lead over Sen. Susan Collins heading into the November elections. A spokesperson for the Republican National Committee criticized Jackson, calling him a "snake oil salesman who is too radical for Maine."