Maine Democrats pick Troy Jackson to challenge Susan Collins
What's next: Jackson enters a high-stakes race that could help decide which party controls the Senate after the midterms.
Maine Democrats chose former state Senate President Troy Jackson as their Senate nominee on Saturday, installing him to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins after primary winner Graham Platner suspended his campaign amid sexual assault allegations he has denied. At the party's convention in Bangor, Jackson defeated Saundra Pelletier by a 566-5 delegate vote after other Democrats dropped out and backed him. Jackson, a logger from Allagash, had recently run for governor before shifting to the Senate race. The contest is closely watched because Collins is the only GOP incumbent seeking reelection in a state Donald Trump lost in 2024, making Maine one of the races that could shape Senate control.