Troy Jackson is on track to become the Democratic Party's nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, set to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Jackson secured the vast majority of delegate slots during county selections over the weekend, positioning him as the likely candidate for the state Democratic Party's convention next weekend in Bangor.
Jackson, 58, is a fifth-generation logger from Allagash. His political career began nearly three decades ago as a Republican, initially protesting the entry of Canadian loggers into the U.S. He was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives as an independent in 2002, later joining the Democratic Party in 2004. He served in the state Senate starting in 2008 and became president of the chamber in 2018.
His past stances on social issues have drawn scrutiny. While now a strong supporter of abortion rights and same-sex marriage, Jackson received a perfect score from Maine Right to Life in 2010 and voted against legalizing same-sex marriage in 2009. He attributes these earlier conservative positions to his Catholic upbringing in rural Maine, stating in an interview that he has since come to believe reproductive rights are a human right.
This past year, Jackson ran for governor, seeking to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Janet Mills. His gubernatorial campaign, focused on expanded healthcare and childcare, received an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders. Jackson finished third in the Democratic primary for governor.
Jackson previously allied with Graham Platner, who was considered the frontrunner for the Senate nomination before withdrawing from the race earlier this month. Platner stepped aside following a report containing an allegation of rape, which he denied. Jackson and Platner appeared together at rallies with Sanders. Despite calling for Platner's exit amid the allegations, Jackson has framed himself as the best candidate to continue the progressive and populist agenda they both supported.
Jackson's platform includes raising taxes on billionaires, establishing a universal healthcare system akin to "Medicare for All," and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also opposes military aid to Israel. He has emphasized taking on a system he views as rigged against working people, advocating for issues such as reproductive freedom and affordable healthcare.
His bid for the Democratic nomination has garnered support from progressive figures, including California Rep. Ro Khanna, who had previously backed Platner. Our Revolution, a progressive organization founded from Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign, also supports Jackson, as do labor unions in Maine. The support from Platner's former allies was instrumental in Jackson securing a significant majority of county-selected delegates.