Maine Democrats move to install Troy Jackson in key Senate race
Why it matters: Democrats need four seats to retake the Senate, and Maine is one of their best pickup chances against Susan Collins.
Maine Democrats were set to formally nominate former state Senate President Troy Jackson on Saturday, capping a two-week scramble to replace Graham Platner in the U.S. Senate race against Republican Susan Collins. Platner quit the campaign on July 10 after a woman he previously dated accused him of raping her in 2021; he denies the allegation. Jackson, a former Republican and fifth-generation logger from northern Maine, emerged as the clear front-runner after supporters dominated delegate selection and most rivals dropped out. His campaign said it raised more than $1 million after he entered the race. The winner will face Collins in a 101-day general election contest that could help decide control of the Senate.