Maine Democrats Choose New Senate Candidate Amid Primary Changes

The Democratic Party in Maine has selected a new candidate following a shake-up in the primary elections. Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams reports from Bangor, Maine, on the party’s decision to endorse Troy Jackson as the new Senate candidate. This change comes after Graham Platner withdrew his candidacy, prompting a fast-paced search for a replacement.

Jackson now faces the challenge of galvanizing the supporters of his predecessor, who left behind a campaign marred by scandal. The Democratic nominee aims to attract these voters in his quest to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine. However, Jackson’s previous relationship with Platner complicates matters. At one time, both backed each other’s campaigns, with Jackson seeking the governor’s office and Platner vying for a Senate seat. Jackson supported Platner through numerous controversies until a sexual assault allegation ended Platner’s campaign last month.

To win over Platner’s progressive voter base, Jackson has been careful in navigating his association with the former candidate. He expressed regret that Platner’s departure means losing the prospect of advancing progressive politics that Platner advocated for. “I wish nothing would have happened with Graham,” Jackson commented in Belfast, Maine, where Platner had strong support. He remarked on the importance of maintaining enthusiasm among voters seeking steadfast representation.

Republicans have criticized Jackson for attempting to leverage Platner’s base. Bernadette Breslin, spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, stated, “Troy Jackson is keeping an alleged rapist with a history of glorifying violence on a pedestal to boost his campaign as he desperately tries to revive Graham’s radical base.”

Jackson’s alliance with Platner was solid before controversy erupted. Platner praised Jackson, stating their views align closely on labor and organizing issues. “Organized labor is a key to what I think the future of American politics is,” Platner asserted during a public gathering.

Following allegations against Platner, Jackson joined other Democrats in calling for Platner’s withdrawal, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Jackson stated, “The allegations against Graham Platner are serious, credible, and deserving of full accountability… For the sake of the movement, Graham must now step down.”

Jackson himself has faced scrutiny due to past controversies. A recent incident involving Jackson’s temper and a water bottle resulted in public attention. Additionally, a 1988 police record accused Jackson of assault in an altercation involving a family member.

Senator Collins commented on Jackson’s temper but refrained from addressing the police record directly, saying, “It appears that he struggles to control his temper.”

Meanwhile, efforts are underway attempting to register Platner as a write-in candidate in Maine despite the deadline passing without his submission. The website writeingrahamforme.com supports this initiative, claiming that Maine’s ranked-choice voting allows ranking Jackson second, thereby maintaining competitiveness.

Scott Niemi, writing for the Bangor Daily News, advocated for a write-in option for Platner to signal dissatisfaction with establishment Democrats, stating that Maine voters could use ranked-choice voting strategically. “If Graham does not have enough votes to advance during tabulation, those ballots are not wasted; they transfer over to Jackson in the next round if he is ranked second,” Niemi suggested.

Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.