Maine Democrats Nominate Former State Senate President Troy Jackson to Challenge Senator Susan Collins

At a special Democratic convention held at Bangor’s Cross Insurance Center, delegates voted overwhelmingly for former state Senate president and logger Troy Jackson, 58, to run against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming U.S. Senate race. Jackson received the support of 566 of the 571 delegates present, positioning him as the party’s official challenger.

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The nomination follows the abrupt withdrawal of former Democratic nominee Graham Platner after the state party committee removed him amid allegations of sexual assault and abusive behavior. Party activists warned that any replacement would need to uphold Platner’s pro-worker, anti-war platform. Jackson, a fifth-generation lumberjack with a long record in Maine politics, emerged as the consensus choice, described by supporters as a “working-class champion.”

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Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) praised Jackson, saying he is ready to fight for working people and flip the seat. Brian Bryant, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, highlighted Jackson’s history of standing “shoulder-to-shoulder with union members.” In contrast, Collins spokeswoman Blake Kernen dismissed Jackson as a “low-energy version” of Platner.

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• Delegate vote: 566 of 571 in favor of Jackson.

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• Jackson’s age: 58.

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• Susan Collins’ tenure: six years in the Senate at the time of the nomination.

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• “For nearly 30 years, Collins has told Maine that she is 'concerned',” — Troy Jackson, democratic committee chairwoman

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• “And if you believe that Maine deserves a senator who will fight like hell for working-class people, well, stand with us,” — Troy Jackson, democratic committee chairwoman

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These statements encapsulate Jackson’s criticism of Collins’ record and his call for a working-class-focused campaign.

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