Former logger and one-time Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is on track to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, following a series of party caucuses held over the weekend. Jackson secured a decisive delegate count across the state's 16 counties, leading potential contenders to withdraw their candidacies.
Nirav Shah, former head of the state's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, announced his withdrawal Sunday evening, stating the need for Democratic unity to defeat incumbent Republican Susan Collins. Other candidates who dropped out included Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine Beer Co. founder Dan Kleban, and former congressional hopeful Jordan Wood.
Jackson's nomination is set to be formalized at a statewide convention scheduled for Saturday in Bangor. According to reports, Jackson has already secured at least 456 of the 500 delegates awarded from the county meetings. The statewide convention is expected to draw approximately 600 delegates, solidifying Jackson's lead.
Jackson, 58, had been viewed by many as the frontrunner to succeed Graham Platner even before the delegate selection process began, owing to his populist political brand. He previously finished third in the Maine governor's race, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, in a contest ultimately won by Hannah Pingree.
Graham Platner officially withdrew from the race on July 10, following allegations of sexual and physical abuse. The state's deadline for Democrats to select a replacement nominee is July 27.
Jackson is expected to face off against Sen. Susan Collins, who is seeking her sixth term. Collins, 73, is the sole Republican representing New England in Congress. The Maine Senate race is considered a crucial contest for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate.
Historically, Jackson has demonstrated a blend of left-wing economic views and conservative stances on social issues. He previously received a perfect rating from Maine Right to Life for opposing pro-choice legislation and voted against legalizing same-sex marriage in 2009. In 2022, he supported legislation aimed at restricting non-Americans from entering Maine for work, even if they possessed valid documentation. This background suggests a potentially complex campaign against Collins, who has a history of outperforming poll expectations.