Story perspectives

Trump Doubts Platner Assault Claims, Troy Jackson Leads Maine Race

7/10/2026

Center

Trump doubts Platner

U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt on the sexual-assault allegations against former candidate Graham Platner during a July 8 press briefing.
Maine Democratic officials are evaluating six candidates to replace Graham Platner on the U.S. Senate ballot, with a July 27 deadline.
Slate includes Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Nirav Shah, David Costello, Jordan Wood and Dan Kleban.
Our Revolution endorsed Troy Jackson, who filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

Left

Jackson Launches Senate

Logger-turned-politician Troy Jackson cast his Senate run as a battle for working families against Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Federal paperwork was filed by Troy Jackson to start a Maine Senate campaign while Democrats ready a delegate convention.
Our Revolution pledged volunteers statewide, highlighting Jackson’s union backing and Medicare for All platform.
Democrats aim to finalize the convention process before the July 27 filing deadline.

History

Historical Context

In the 1994 midterms, held on Nov 8, the Republican Revolution gave the GOP its first Senate majority since 1987 by capturing eight Democratic seats. The wave, driven by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, reshaped many states, including Maine where a Republican-held seat was won. Today, Our Revolution backs union-backed challenger Troy Jackson against incumbent Republican Susan Collins, echoing that 1994 realignment.

1 of 3

Trump doubts Platner

U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt on the sexual-assault allegations against former candidate Graham Platner during a July 8 press briefing.
Maine Democratic officials are evaluating six candidates to replace Graham Platner on the U.S. Senate ballot, with a July 27 deadline.
Slate includes Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Nirav Shah, David Costello, Jordan Wood and Dan Kleban.
Our Revolution endorsed Troy Jackson, who filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

1 / 3