Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson seems poised to secure the Democratic Senate nomination after a delegate selection process that took place over the weekend. The race seeks to replace Graham Platner as the nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Jackson’s allies captured the majority of the 500 delegate slots in Maine’s 16 counties this weekend, advancing his position for next weekend’s nominating convention. Jackson’s main competitors, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former health official Nirav Shah, exited the race on Sunday.
On social media, Jackson expressed confidence: “In November, Mainers will defeat Susan Collins, and we will take back our Senate seat from the billionaires and corporations who think they own it.” Although delegates are not mandated to support Jackson, his position remains strong heading into the convention. The race is pivotal for Democrats aiming to regain Senate control, as Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage.
Jackson, a fifth-generation logger, transitioned from conservative Republican to Democrat over two decades ago. He placed third in Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial primary last month. Over the weekend, Jackson-aligned delegates won over 90% of the slots, including all 149 available in Cumberland County, the state’s most populous.
Despite his success, Jackson urged caution. “Yesterday was a great step, but our work is not finished,” he said. Meanwhile, the 500 selected delegates will join 101 additional delegates, as predetermined by the Democratic State Committee, to vote for the Senate nominee next Saturday in Bangor, Maine.
Bellows, who left the Senate race to focus on her role as Secretary of State, was silent on Jackson in her exit statement. Shah urged unity among Democrats, adding, “Susan Collins will not be defeated without a united Democratic Party.” He threw his support behind Jackson as he exited the race.
Jackson appreciated the support from Shah and encouraged solidarity: “Now it’s time for all of us to come together, build the broadest possible coalition, and defeat Susan Collins. Let’s get to work.” On a similar note, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban also suspended his campaign on Sunday.
Jackson’s campaign focus mirrors progressive initiatives similar to Graham Platner’s platform, emphasizing progressive and populist policies like raising taxes on billionaires, Medicare-for-all, and opposing military aid to Israel.
Jackson, backed by figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and the group ‘Our Revolution,’ aims to channel Democratic discontent into a focused campaign against Collins. Platner’s campaign was gaining traction with substantial fundraising and polling before he stepped aside amid scandal.
Platner withdrew following allegations of rape, which he denied. Despite this, Jackson had supported Platner’s agenda, advocating for a political movement aimed at delivering progressive change. Jackson reiterated the movement’s goals during a virtual town hall, stating the importance of fair economics and healthcare reform.
In last week’s debate, Jackson praised Platner’s efforts to challenge the healthcare and prescription drug industries. He vowed to continue these efforts in his campaign against Collins.
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