Maine Democrats elevate Troy Jackson after Senate nominee drops out
What's new: Jackson emerged through a 601-delegate party convention after Graham Platner withdrew amid sexual assault allegations.
Maine Democrats moved Troy Jackson to the top of their U.S. Senate ticket after the party’s original nominee, Graham Platner, withdrew when sexual assault allegations surfaced. The party set up a replacement process that let would-be candidates file to run and gather signatures before 601 delegates chose a new nominee at a convention. Jackson, a former state senator, had been widely seen as the front-runner as other rivals fell away. His elevation has drawn criticism because he previously backed making the popular vote decisive in presidential elections, while his own nomination came through delegates rather than a statewide vote. Democrats are trying to regroup as they target Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ seat.