Former Candidate Reflects on Support for Platner Amid Allegations

Troy Jackson, a former gubernatorial candidate in Maine and current Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful, had a tough time addressing his previous backing of Graham Platner during an interview with MS NOW. The conversation came just before Platner publicly suspended his campaign in light of serious allegations against him.

Before the allegations surfaced, Jackson was among Platner’s initial supporters, even campaigning alongside him in the gubernatorial race. This past Thursday, MS NOW’s host Katie Toole pressed Jackson about his loyalty, especially considering Platner had weathered various controversies over the years.

“You supported him,” Toole stated. “You were one of his earliest advocates. Why did you continue that support despite the Nazi tattoo? Or after the New York Times article addressing his past? And what about the allegations regarding aggressive behavior towards women?”

Jackson responded, explaining that he was unaware of the Nazi tattoos and Reddit posts. “I never frequented Reddit,” he noted, adding that Platner had often dismissed such discussions by referring to darker times in his life. Jackson seemed torn, offering that people can grow and change.

Despite the controversies, Jackson insisted his focus remained on Platner’s political agenda—like the push for Medicare for All—rather than personal scandals.

“He had a reasonable explanation for some of his actions,” Jackson stated. “But when it comes to credible accusations of sexual assault, that’s a red line for me. Platner said there was nothing to worry about regarding his past, but it became clear that wasn’t true.”

Even after a report emerged revealing Platner had a sexual relationship with his ex-girlfriend—who accused him of forcibly dragging her from a taxi—Jackson’s support continued. He described credible sexual assault accusations as a personal boundary he wouldn’t cross.

Historically, Jackson has been connected to Sen. Bernie Sanders, having supported him in the 2016 presidential primaries against Hillary Clinton, and served as Sanders’ Maine political director.

Currently, Sanders has not yet thrown his support behind any candidate for the Maine Senate seat, and the timeline for naming a formal candidate is uncertain. According to state law, Platner must withdraw by June 13 to allow Democrats an opportunity to replace him on the ballot. If he resigns before that date, the state party has until July 27 to select a new candidate.