Democratic senators continue to back Troy Jackson, the Maine Senate nominee who replaced Graham Platner on the ballot, despite a recent report claiming Jackson fathered two children with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier.

Platner withdrew from the race ahead of the Democratic primary following multiple scandals, including sexual misconduct allegations. Jackson was chosen this summer with 94% of the delegate votes to replace Platner.

Lawmakers have largely refrained from directly endorsing Jackson amid the allegations but emphasize the importance of winning swing state races like Maine to regain a Senate majority. Maine has been represented by moderate Republican Susan Collins since 1997, making the race challenging for Democrats.

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

Supporters of Jackson highlight his commitment to working people and the need to address issues such as rising costs and Senate corruption. Meanwhile, critics accuse Collins of aligning closely with former President Trump and dismiss personal attacks on Jackson's family as "shameful and desperate."

Jackson officially became the Maine Democratic Party's Senate nominee on July 25, 2026, in Bangor, Maine.

Sources