Maine Democrats pick Troy Jackson for Senate race against Collins
Why it matters: The November contest could help decide whether Republicans keep their slim Senate majority.
Maine Democrats selected former state Senate President Troy Jackson as their nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November, replacing Graham Platner after his campaign collapsed. At the party’s convention in Bangor on Saturday, Jackson beat Saundra Pelletier 566-5 after other rivals dropped out and backed him. Jackson, a logger from Allagash and former gubernatorial candidate, moved quickly to consolidate support after Platner suspended his bid following sexual assault allegations that he denied. The Maine Senate race is one of about a dozen key midterm contests that could shape control of the chamber.