Maine Democratic Senate nominee on Jul 31, 2026?
2hJackson’s odds surged after Graham Platner dropped out, and AP/Bangor Daily News report he has formally moved to replace him, making him the main beneficiary of the nominee-reset scramble.
52%4%
Maine Democratic Senate nominee on Jul 31, 2026?
$1.8M
JUL 31, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Senator
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age58 years old (Jun 26, 1968)
GenderMale
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LocationMaine
BackgroundLogger
EducationUniversity of Maine at Fort Kent (attended)
Notable personal detailsTroy Dale Jackson is an American logger and Democratic politician from Allagash, Maine. He served in the Maine House of Representatives (2002–2008) and the Maine Senate (2008–2014; 2016–2024), including as President of the Maine Senate from 2018 to 2024. He became known statewide after helping lead the 1998 logging blockade along the Maine–Canada border. In 2025, he launched a campaign for Governor of Maine in the 2026 election cycle.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgmainepublic.orgmaine.govlegislature.maine.govthemainewire.compressherald.commainelegislature.orggovprofiles.comdlcc.orgweb.mainelegislature.orgjacksonformaine.comspectrumlocalnews.comscorecard.maineaflcio.orgmainesenate.orgthecounty.methemainemonitor.orgapnews.comcentralmaine.combangordailynews.comcommondreams.orgmaineaflcio.orgwmtw.commainemorningstar.comourrevolution.comfacebook.cominstagram.combarnraisingmedia.comhoustonpublicmedia.orgthehill.commainebeacon.comfoxnews.comwgme.compolitico.comfairvote.orgnewsweek.comnewscentermaine.comballotready.orgsenate.govncsl.orgfrontpage.ballotpedia.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgfec.govdocuments.ncsl.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgcongress.govcommons.wikimedia.orgcreativecommons.orgupload.wikimedia.orgnga.orgdocquery.fec.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted tax relief for working families (doubling the Earned Income Tax Credit and strengthening child & dependent tax credits), while proposing revenue from higher-wealth sources (exploring surcharges on luxury homes and considering raising taxes on the wealthy) to pay for expanded services and affordability measures. Proposes expanding tax credits and exemptions for essentials and using state funds to invest in childcare, housing, and other programs that reduce costs for low- and middle-income Mainers.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to care through a public option and measures to lower costs; expresses support for Medicare for All in principle but views a public option as the practical path for Maine. Prioritizes lowering prescription drug prices, protecting reproductive care, investing in rural health care, and preventing private equity takeovers of health providers.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate has expressed support for allowing immigrants to work while pursuing citizenship but has also spoken about blocking foreign labor to protect Maine workers and voiced concerns about undocumented immigrants using taxpayer resources. Public statements mix pro-worker immigration measures (work rights during naturalization) with border-protection and immigration-skeptical language.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate supports protecting and expanding abortion and reproductive health-care access in Maine, including legislation to ensure abortion decisions are made by patients and their doctors and efforts to enshrine reproductive rights in state law or the state constitution. He has publicly opposed the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and has cosponsored/state leadership on bills to safeguard reproductive health care and providers.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanding clean energy in Maine, including offshore wind development and investments to build local workforce and ports, while emphasizing protections for fisheries and working communities. Has co-sponsored legislation to advance offshore wind procurement and framed renewables as part of Maine’s path to energy independence and jobs.
Public Safety & Guns
Troy Jackson supports stronger gun-safety measures, including expanded tools to restrict firearm access for people in crisis (red flag laws) and other reforms such as expanded background checks and waiting periods that were advanced in Maine after the Lewiston mass shooting. He frames these policies as compatible with responsible gun ownership and Maine’s hunting traditions.
Latest Insights
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 10, 2026
Troy Jackson is in the news because he has filed paperwork to potentially replace Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee in Maine’s 2026 U.S. Senate race. Platner suspended his campaign after a rape allegation, and Jackson has publicly said Platner should drop out if he wants Democrats to replace him on the ballot. Jackson had previously been running for Maine governor and has also been highlighted for his progressive, labor-backed campaign and support for issues like Wabanaki sovereignty.
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Articles
BDBangor Daily News2 months ago
Bernie Sanders rallies progressives for Graham Platner and Troy Jackson in Orono
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PPPortland Press Herald3 months ago
I want Troy Jackson to be Maine’s next governor | Letter
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PPPortland Press Herald3 months ago
What big-money groups are spending the most on the Maine governor’s race this year?
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PPPortland Press Herald3 months ago
Troy Jackson is committed to rejecting dark money | Opinion
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Polls
Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
48%
45.3%
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Endorsers of Troy Jackson for Maine Democratic Senate nominee?
MSEA-SEIU
Elected official
MSEA-SEIU endorsed Troy Jackson for governor and named him its first-choice pick.
Maine Democratic Socialists of America
Elected official
Maine DSA endorsed Troy Jackson for governor.
Mi'kmaq Tribal Council
Elected official
Mi'kmaq Tribal Council endorsed Troy Jackson for Maine governor.
Professional Fire Fighters of Maine
Elected official
Professional Fire Fighters of Maine endorsed Troy Jackson for governor.
Maine State Nurses Association
Elected official
Maine State Nurses Association endorsed Troy Jackson for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising