Troy Jackson Wins Maine Democratic Senate Nomination, Sets Up High-Stakes Race Against Susan Collins

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has secured the Maine Democratic Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate, officially replacing Graham Platner on the ballot after the former candidate withdrew following sexual assault allegations, which he denies.

Jackson won overwhelming support from roughly 600 delegates at the state Democratic convention in Bangor, defeating biopharmaceutical executive Saundra Pelletier. His victory launches a 101-day campaign against longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins in one of the most closely watched Senate races of the 2026 midterm elections.

The contest is expected to play a major role in determining whether Republicans retain control of the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, while Democrats view Maine as one of their best opportunities to flip a Republican-held seat.

During his acceptance speech, Jackson focused on affordability and economic inequality, accusing Collins of favoring wealthy corporations over working families. A fifth-generation logger and former Republican, Jackson has quickly built campaign momentum, raising more than $1 million since entering the race earlier this month.

Collins, who has represented Maine since 1997 and currently chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, enters the race with an $11 million campaign fund. A recent University of New Hampshire poll showed Jackson holding a narrow lead among likely voters, although Collins won reelection by nearly nine percentage points in 2020 despite Maine voting Democratic in the presidential race.

The campaign is expected to center on inflation, immigration, and President Donald Trump’s policies. Jackson has called for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while Collins supported a $70 billion immigration enforcement package but has urged limits on certain ICE traffic stops.

Social issues are also likely to feature prominently. Jackson now supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage after previously opposing both earlier in his legislative career. Republicans have already begun highlighting his past positions and a 2021 incident in which he threw a water bottle during a heated legislative debate. A Republican-backed super PAC launched a six-figure advertising campaign criticizing Jackson’s temperament, while Jackson acknowledged he regretted the incident but said it stemmed from passion during the debate.