Controversy Surrounds Maine Senate Candidate's Family Ties
WHO:
Fox News - Troy Jackson, Democratic Senate candidate from Maine
Fox News - Graham Platner, former Democratic Senate candidate who withdrew from the race
Fox News - Lana Pelletier, Troy Jackson's second cousin and partner
NY Post - Troy Jackson, Democratic Senate candidate from Maine
WHAT:
Fox News - Troy Jackson shares two adult sons with his second cousin and partner, Lana Pelletier, with whom he has a long-term relationship.
Fox News - The relationship between Jackson and Pelletier is noted as not uncommon in northern rural Maine, where they share the same great-grandparents.
Fox News - Troy Jackson has two adult sons with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier.
Fox News - Jackson was selected as the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew from the race.
Fox News - The general election will take place on Nov. 3, where Jackson will compete against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Fox News - Graham Platner dropped out of the race due to a rape allegation, which he denied, stating, "Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false."
WHERE:
Fox News - Bangor, Maine, where the Democratic Party selected Troy Jackson as their new Senate candidate.
Fox News - Northern rural Maine, where the relationship between Jackson and Pelletier is noted as not uncommon.
WHEN:
Fox News - The Maine Democratic Party's U.S. Senate Nominating Convention occurred earlier this month, where Jackson was nominated.
Fox News - The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
WHY:
Fox News - The Jackson campaign stated that personal attacks on Troy's family are "shameful and desperate," in response to criticism regarding his relationship with Pelletier.
Fox News - The selection of Jackson as a candidate was prompted by Graham Platner's withdrawal from the race.
HOW:
Fox News - Jackson was tapped as the U.S. Senate nominee at the Maine Democratic Party's U.S. Senate Nominating Convention.
(UPDATED July 31, 2026 20:23 UTC)
Troy Jackson, who shares two adult sons with his second cousin and partner, Lana Pelletier, has been in a long-term relationship that is not uncommon in northern rural Maine, where they share the same great-grandparents. In response to criticism regarding their relationship, the Jackson campaign described personal attacks on Troy's family as "shameful and desperate." This development highlights the complexities of familial relationships in certain communities.
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(UPDATED July 31, 2026 18:26 UTC)
Troy Jackson has been selected as the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee in Maine after Graham Platner withdrew from the race, citing a rape allegation he denies. Jackson, who has two adult sons with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier, will face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election scheduled for November 3. The nomination took place at the Maine Democratic Party's U.S. Senate Nominating Convention earlier this month in Bangor, where Jackson's relationship with Pelletier is noted as not uncommon in the region.