WASHINGTON — Troy Jackson, a former logger and previously the president of the Maine Senate, is poised to be the Democratic nominee following the recent caucus results that led to the withdrawal of other candidates, including Graham Platner, who faces serious allegations.
In a decisive show, Jackson amassed a significant delegate count from 16 counties in Maine. Other expected candidates, like Nirav Shah, the past director of the state’s CDC, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, are no longer in the race. Dan Kleban, the founder of Maine Beer Co., and former House candidate Jordan Wood have also stepped aside.
“I’m exiting the race for the same reasons I entered,” Shah expressed on Sunday night. “We need to unite to take down Susan Collins, and that’s crucial for the Democratic Party.”
The formal nomination for Jackson will take place during a statewide convention in Bangor this Saturday.
Jackson managed to secure over 456 of the 500 delegates following the county convention, as reported by local sources. With about 600 delegates anticipated to attend the upcoming convention, he is in a strong position.
Many had already seen Jackson as a probable successor to Platner, thanks to his populist approach to politics.
Despite being endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders in his earlier gubernatorial bid, Jackson finished behind both Shah and Hannah Pingree in the race.
Platner’s resignation came on July 10 amid allegations of abusive behavior. Democrats now have until July 27 at 5 p.m. to finalize a new candidate.
Jackson will challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who is campaigning for a sixth term and is currently leading in the polls.
While he’s known for his progressive economic stance, Jackson has held conservative views on certain social issues, having previously received a perfect score from Maine Right to Life for opposing pro-choice legislation and voting against the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2009.
In 2022, he also supported measures to restrict immigration, specifically regarding non-citizens seeking work in Maine, regardless of proper documentation.
Maine represents a crucial seat for Democrats as they aim to regain control of the Senate. Collins, at 73, stands as the only Republican from New England in the House or Senate.
