Story perspectives

Republicans Spend $42M as Jackson Faces Sore-Loser Lawsuit

8/1/2026

Summary

Jackson Wins Nomination

Troy Jackson, 58, won the Democratic nomination on July 25, 2026, and will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
Jackson and partner Lana Pelletier are second cousins sharing great-grandparents Thomas Pelletier and Edith Thibodeau.
They have two adult sons and are not legally married, which Maine law permits.
Republicans have pledged more than $42 million to defeat Jackson, while Collins has raised about $16 million and Jackson has not filed a financial disclosure.

Summary

Jackson Faces Lawsuit

The Maine Democratic Party sued, saying State Senator Troy Jackson broke the “sore loser” law by running for Senate after losing governor primary.
Plaintiffs argue the law bars any primary loser from a different office from appearing on the general-election ballot.
Defenders contend the statute applies only when a candidate seeks the same office as an independent or under another party.

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Jackson Wins Nomination

Troy Jackson, 58, won the Democratic nomination on July 25, 2026, and will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
Jackson and partner Lana Pelletier are second cousins sharing great-grandparents Thomas Pelletier and Edith Thibodeau.
They have two adult sons and are not legally married, which Maine law permits.
Republicans have pledged more than $42 million to defeat Jackson, while Collins has raised about $16 million and Jackson has not filed a financial disclosure.

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