Democratic senators remain supportive of Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson despite a recent report alleging he fathered two children with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier. Jackson replaced former candidate Graham Platner on the ballot after Platner withdrew amid multiple scandals, including sexual misconduct claims.

The report, first published by The Maine Wire editor Steven Robinson, has not swayed most Democratic lawmakers. They stress the critical need to secure swing state races like Maine to regain a majority in the U.S. Senate. This is particularly challenging given that Maine's incumbent Republican Senator, Susan Collins, a moderate, has held her seat since 1997.

Independent Maine Senator Angus King declined to comment on the allegations, stating, "I have no idea what you’re talking about and I’m not going to comment on it anyway."

Democratic officials highlight Jackson's commitment to working people and the importance of winning the seat to address issues such as rising costs and Senate corruption. Meanwhile, the Maine Democratic Party criticized personal attacks on Jackson, accusing Collins of distracting from her voting record aligned with former President Trump.

Jackson secured 94% of the delegate votes this summer to replace Platner, who stepped down following a rape allegation that led to loss of support from Democratic allies.

Sources

Notable Quotes

  • "I have no idea what you’re talking about and I’m not going to comment on it anyway." — Angus King
  • "I don't know anything about that, but what I do know is that we have got to elect Democrats up and down the ballot."
  • "Troy Jackson is somebody who's obviously in this fight for working people."
  • "I think it's super important that we win that seat so that we can put an end to the wild cost increases and rampant corruption that the Senate right now is indulging."
  • "Susan Collins will do anything to distract from the fact that she votes with Trump 96% of the time and has sold out working people in Maine. Personal attacks on Troy's family are shameful and desperate."