Democratic senators remain supportive of Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson, who replaced former candidate Graham Platner on the ballot after Platner withdrew amid multiple scandals, including sexual misconduct claims. A recent report by The Maine Wire editor Steven Robinson alleges that Jackson fathered two children with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier.

Jackson secured 94% of the 601 delegate votes this summer to replace Platner, who dropped out following a rape allegation that led to loss of support from his Democratic allies. Despite the report, most Democratic lawmakers have not turned against Jackson, stressing the critical need to win swing state races like Maine to regain a majority in the U.S. Senate. This is particularly challenging in Maine, where moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins has held her seat since 1997.

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 importance of winning the seat to address issues such as rising costs and Senate corruption. Meanwhile, critics accuse Collins of aligning closely with former President Trump and accuse her of neglecting working-class interests in Maine.

Notable Quotes

  • "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," said a Democratic lawmaker.
  • "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," a Democratic supporter stated.

Jackson was officially named the Maine Democratic Party's U.S. Senate nominee on July 25, 2026, in Bangor, Maine.

Sources

Fox News Latest by Hannah Brennan, published August 9, 2026.