Maine Democrats Select New U.S. Senate Nominee After Platner Withdraws
Maine Democrats are set to choose a new nominee for the U.S. Senate race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins following Graham Platner's withdrawal due to an allegation of sexual assault. The party has turned its attention toward Troy Jackson, a progressive candidate and former state Senate president from northern Maine who had previously campaigned with Platner during his failed gubernatorial bid. The new nominee must be selected by Monday under Maine law, leaving less than four months before the November election. Democrats view this race as crucial to flipping control of the Senate, especially since President Donald Trump lost Maine in 2024. However, Collins holds a fundraising advantage and has been re-elected multiple times. Jackson is favored among delegates with over 480 out of 601 committed supporters at Saturday's convention. He aligns closely with progressive policies such as Medicare for All and the abolition of ICE. The only remaining challenger to Jackson is Saundra Pelletier, CEO of a women’s health company.
Topics: Democratic Party nomination Maine politics U.S. Senate race