Troy Jackson Named Democratic Challenger to Senator Collins in Maine

WHO:

Boston.com - Troy Jackson is the new Democratic nominee.

NBC News - Senator Susan Collins is the Republican incumbent.

NBC News - Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) commented on the candidacy.

WHAT:

Boston.com - Troy Jackson replaces Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee.

Boston.com - Graham Platner withdrew from the race following an allegation of sexual assault.

NBC News - Mark Kelly stated that Troy Jackson is a “strong candidate” who can beat Susan Collins.

WHERE:

Boston.com - The election is taking place in Maine.

WHEN:

Boston.com - Graham Platner won the Democratic primary in June.

WHY:

Boston.com - Graham Platner withdrew due to an allegation of sexual assault that he has denied.

NBC News - Mark Kelly indicated that Platner “wasn’t vetted well enough.”

HOW:

Boston.com - The Maine Democratic delegates chose Troy Jackson as the nominee.

(UPDATED July 26, 2026 21:14 UTC)

Troy Jackson has been selected as the new Democratic nominee for the upcoming election in Maine, replacing Graham Platner, who withdrew from the race following an allegation of sexual assault. Senator Mark Kelly praised Jackson as a “strong candidate” capable of defeating the Republican incumbent, Senator Susan Collins. The Maine Democratic delegates made their choice known after Platner's withdrawal, which Kelly noted was due to insufficient vetting.