Republicans revive 1988 assault allegation to attack Democratic Senate hopeful Troy Jackson

Republicans have resurrected a 1988 police report from Fort Kent that alleges Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson, then 19, assaulted a man and pushed his longtime partner, Lana Pelletier, during a midnight confrontation. The report says Jackson kicked down a door, grabbed a rival by the throat and punched him, while Pelletier later told officers he “pushed her around,” a claim she now says she does not recall making.

Jackson acknowledges the fight, saying he took responsibility then and now, but insists he has never been violent toward his partner or any woman. The Republican National Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee have labeled the allegation “disturbing” and urged Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, to demand his withdrawal. Jackson, who replaced Graham Platner after the latter withdrew amid rape accusations, is running against incumbent Republican Susan Collins in a pivotal Senate contest that could affect the GOP’s slim majority.

A recent one outlet's poll shows Jackson with a two-point edge over Collins, though within the survey’s error margin. The renewed scrutiny comes amid broader questions about Jackson’s past conduct and policy positions, including support for Medicare-for-All and opposition to ICE.