Full Breakdown
Obama Endorses Troy Jackson in Maine Senate Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Obama’s Endorsement and Its Timing
Former President Barack Obama released a video supporting Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine. In the message, Obama urged Mainers to vote for Jackson, describing the state’s economic climate as one that “needs a fighter like Troy.” The endorsement was posted the morning of the candidates’ scheduled debate, giving Jackson a high-profile boost as the campaign entered its final weeks.
Race Background
Jackson, a former Maine Senate president from Allagash, secured the Democratic nomination in July after the original nominee, Graham Platner, withdrew following a denied sexual-assault allegation. He is challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican first elected in 1996 and now seeking a sixth term. The contest has become a focal point for Democrats aiming to flip a key Senate seat in the 2024 midterms. Major campaign themes include raising wages, lowering prescription-drug costs, expanding free school meals, and protecting abortion rights—issues that both candidates have debated publicly.
Official Statements & Responses
Obama highlighted Jackson’s “working-class roots” and legislative record on wages, drug pricing, school-lunch programs, and abortion access, noting Jackson’s shift on reproductive rights after the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning *Roe v. Wade*. Jackson thanked Obama, emphasizing that voters want a government that serves “working people” rather than “the wealthy and well-connected.” Both candidates reiterated their positions on the economy, abortion, and other policy areas during recent debates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm honored to have President Obama standing with us in this fight,” — Troy Jackson, Democratic Senate candidate
- “In this economy, we need a fighter like Troy,” — Barack Obama, former president
- “Hello, Maine. Barack Obama here. Troy Jackson is running to be your next senator, and I'm proud to be on board,” — Barack Obama, former president
- “Troy Jackson is running to be your next senator, and I’m proud to be on board,” — Barack Obama, former president
- “In this economy, we need a fighter like Troy, a fifth-generation logger,” — Barack Obama, former president
- “Working people are sick and tired of a government that works for the wealthy and well-connected while they struggle to get by,” — Troy Jackson, Democratic Senate candidate