Democrats in Maine have formally nominated Troy Jackson as their U.S — Senate candidate, setting the stage for a competitive race against Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate, secured 566 of 571 delegate votes at a state party convention in Bangor, according to NPR, as his victory marks the culmination of a chaotic search for a replacement after Graham Platner stepped down due to allegations of sexual assault.

Replacement for Graham Platner

Platner, who had been the initial Democratic nominee, withdrew from the race on July 10 after a woman came forward with an allegation of rape from 2021. According to Spectrum Noticias. Platner denied the claim but faced increasing scrutiny following months of controversy — the Maine Democratic Party then initiated an expedited process to find a new candidate, ultimately settling on Jackson at a July 25 convention.

“They will say that a grassroots campaign, powered by working people, cannot defeat Susan Collins and every powerful interest standing behind her. They are wrong again,” Jackson said during his acceptance speech, according to NPR. “Because we can, we can together. Shoulder to shoulder, we can defeat Susan Collins, and we can take back that Senate seat.”

Field of Candidates

Thirteen Democrats originally entered the race for the nomination, according to Spectrum Noticias. Among them were well-known figures such as Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, and former CDC Director Nirav Shah. Others included David Costello, who previously ran against Platner and Gov. Janet Mills in the June 9 primary, and Dan Kleban, a Maine Beer Co. co-founder who had previously dropped out of the race.

Candidates had to submit 500 signatures to qualify for the nomination process, which continued through county caucuses and culminated in the July 25 convention in Bangor. Those who met the deadline included Elizabeth Cote, a health policy expert; Elizabeth Dickerson, a former state representative; and Joseph Leveille, an Iraq War Marine Corps veteran.

Key Issues and Strategy

Jackson’s campaign has emphasized grassroots organizing and the need to challenge the influence of “power brokers,” as he stated in his speech. The Democratic Party is now focused on moving past the controversy surrounding Platner and rallying behind Jackson’s candidacy. He did not mention Platner by name during his remarks, according to NPR.

With the nomination secured, Jackson faces the challenge of uniting the party behind a new candidate and building momentum against a well-established and well-funded opponent in Collins. The race is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the 2024 midterm elections.