Maine Democrats move to nominate Troy Jackson for Senate race
Why it matters: Jackson would replace primary winner Graham Platner after his campaign collapsed amid a sexual assault allegation he denies.
Maine Democrats are set to formally pick state Senate President Troy Jackson as their nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November, after former nominee Graham Platner suspended his campaign. The party is holding a 601-delegate convention Saturday, and several Democratic hopefuls dropped out as Jackson emerged as the clear favorite among delegates. Platner had won the June primary but faced a sexual assault allegation from a former girlfriend, which he denied. Jackson, a logger from Allagash and a longtime state lawmaker, had backed Platner before urging him to leave the race. The switch resets one of the most closely watched Senate contests, with control of the chamber potentially at stake.