Delegates at a Democratic special nominating convention selected former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson on Saturday to serve as the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate. Jackson replaces Graham Platner, who withdrew from the race following allegations of sexual assault, which Platner has denied. The selection sets Jackson to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in the upcoming November election.
Jackson secured the nomination after several other Democratic contenders ended their campaigns and endorsed him last weekend. A fifth-generation logger, Jackson previously placed third in the June Democratic primary for Maine governor. His platform includes support for Medicare for All, a federal right to abortion, the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the cessation of military funding to Israel.
Sen. Collins, who has served in the Senate since 1997, is seeking her sixth term. Republican organizations have announced plans for an $8 million advertising campaign directed at the Democratic nominee. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) previously endorsed Jackson during his gubernatorial run, citing his background in labor and working-class issues.