Troy Jackson Takes Senate Nomination After Graham Platton’s Scandal, Faces Own Controversies

Graham Platton’s bid for the U.S. Senate unraveled after a series of scandals, culminating in an alleged sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend, prompting Maine Democrats to replace him with former state Senate president Troy Jackson. Jackson, a former gubernatorial primary contender, accepted the nomination to preserve a progressive challenge to Republican incumbent Susan Collins, expressing regret that Platton’s campaign ended.

He previously called for Platton’s resignation, labeling the accusations “serious, credible, and deserving of full accountability.” Jackson’s own record has come under scrutiny, including a water-bottle-throwing episode and a 1988 police report alleging he assaulted a man and pushed his second-cousin partner, Lana Pelletier. Collins declined comment on the old police record, noting reports of Jackson’s temper issues.

Activists are mobilizing a write-in effort for Platton via writeingrahamforme.com, arguing that Maine’s ranked-choice voting would allow votes to transfer to Jackson if Platton is eliminated. The write-in deadline is Aug. 25, and the race could influence the Senate’s partisan balance.