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2026 Maine Senate
Bob Dylan
Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 6:01 AM EST
Maine Senate Nominee Transition
Coverage from Washington Examiner, NPR, and others
After Graham Platner withdrew as Maine Democrats’ Senate nominee following an allegation he denied, the state party began an unusual replacement process to choose a challenger to Republican Sen.
Susan Collins. Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and rural Aroostook County logger, emerged as the leading replacement candidate, backed by progressive groups including Our Revolution and supported by a large share of convention delegates. The transition also highlights the party’s compressed campaign timeline, Collins’s fundraising advantage, and debates over issues such as Medicare for All, workers’ rights, abortion, and immigration enforcement.
Looking Back
96 Day Timeline
Jul 7
Jul 23
Aug 8
Aug 24
Sep 7
Sep 23
Oct 9
History
10/27/2026
A new October report raises the possibility that divisions among Democrats could weaken support for Jackson, though the concern is based on limited evidence.
All Articles75 articles
Important
Before withdrawing, Graham Platner commissioned Maine Senate replacement polling that showed Troy Jackson beating Susan Collins by 5 points.
7/11/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Maine Democrats in Bangor formally nominate a replacement U.S. Senate candidate, with Troy Jackson leading as Democrats target Susan Collins after Graham Platner ends his bid.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson filed in Maine as a potential replacement candidate for Graham Platner after 2021 sexual assault allegations drew calls for Platner to withdraw.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats met in Bangor in 2026 to select a replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, with Troy Jackson leading support to face Sen. Susan Collins.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats nominated Troy Jackson to challenge Susan Collins after Graham Platner's collapse amid scandal, with abortion and working class themes shaping the replacement campaign.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats select a Senate replacement nominee in Bangor on Saturday to face Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew over a sexual assault allegation.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
UNH Survey Center polling reported 51% of Graham Platner voters selected Troy Jackson as first choice for replacing him in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
7/29/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee on July 25, drawing support from much of Platner's progressive coalition statewide.
7/29/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Maine Democrats selected former Senate president Troy Jackson as their 2026 U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, giving Jackson 99 days to challenge Susan Collins statewide.
7/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson becomes Maine's Democratic Senate nominee for 2026 after Graham Platner withdraws, as Susan Collins and outside Republicans escalate messaging on Trump-era votes and left-leaning themes.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic delegates met in Bangor on Saturday to choose a Senate nominee to face Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew on July 10.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic delegates in Bangor will vote Saturday to replace Graham Platner and select Troy Jackson or another nominee to face Susan Collins in 2026.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats named Troy Jackson as the replacement nominee against Sen. Susan Collins after Graham Platner suspended his campaign over a rape allegation.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats in Bangor selected Troy Jackson as nominee for the race against Sen. Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew over allegations and denials.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
On July 25 in Bangor, Maine Democrats nominated Troy Jackson for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew amid allegations.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson became the leading candidate among Maine Democratic delegates in Bangor after Graham Platner withdrew, setting up a fast nomination ahead of a Nov. 3 Senate contest with Susan Collins.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats meet in Bangor to choose a replacement Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, with Troy Jackson favored to oppose Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats in Bangor vote Saturday to select Troy Jackson as replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, setting up the challenge to Susan Collins for Nov. 3.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will convene delegates in Bangor to select a replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, elevating Troy Jackson against Sen. Susan Collins for the Nov. 3 election.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will hold a delegate vote in Bangor on Saturday to choose a Senate replacement nominee to face Susan Collins, with Troy Jackson emerging as the frontrunner after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats convene in Bangor Saturday to replace the nominee for Susan Collins, with Troy Jackson emerging as the leading contender after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will select a replacement nominee Saturday for the Nov. 3 Senate election after Graham Platner withdrew, elevating Troy Jackson to face Susan Collins.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats select a replacement Senate nominee after Graham Platners withdrawal, with delegate backing consolidating around Troy Jackson ahead of Nov. 3 against Susan Collins.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan to nominate Troy Jackson at a special convention in Bangor this Saturday, replacing Graham Platner and preparing a short campaign against Susan Collins.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will nominate Troy Jackson at a Saturday convention in Bangor, following Graham Platner's withdrawal, setting up a fast campaign against Sen. Susan Collins.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will hold a special convention in Bangor to nominate Troy Jackson, following Graham Platner withdrawal, setting a shortened campaign against Sen. Susan Collins.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will nominate Troy Jackson in Bangor after Graham Platner withdraws, creating a short general election campaign against U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After Graham Platner withdrew, Mike Carpenter endorsed Troy Jackson as the Democrat likely to challenge Susan Collins in Maine’s 2026 Senate race.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic delegates selected Troy Jackson as nominee after Graham Platner withdrew amid sexual assault allegations, setting an anticipated November matchup with Susan Collins.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson becomes Maine Democrats' nominee for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins after Graham Platner's exit over allegations in Politico and CNN.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson won delegate support in impromptu caucuses in Maine ahead of a Democratic replacement decision, as conduct allegations surfaced before a Susan Collins contest.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Party nomination rules restricted independent participation while Jackson refocused messaging on Platner voters to challenge Susan Collins, with reactions from Harwath and other Democrats across Sanford and Biddeford.
7/20/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson won committed-delegate support in Maine Democratic county caucuses and will seek formal nomination in Bangor as a matchup with Susan Collins approaches.
7/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson won dominant support among Maine Democratic delegates for a Senate replacement convention after Graham Platner’s withdrawal, setting up a general election challenge to Susan Collins.
7/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson secured Democratic delegate backing for Maine's 2026 Senate challenge to Susan Collins after Graham Platner exited following a sexual assault allegation.
7/19/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats began selecting a Senate replacement after Graham Platner withdrew July 8, 2026, with a July 27 deadline and signature-based candidate criteria.
7/19/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Our Revolution shifted support to Troy Jackson after Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race, as Maine Democrats set a July 25 nominating convention to choose a replacement nominee.
7/13/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Troy Jackson is discussed as Maine’s Democratic contender to challenge Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew following a rape accusation involving Jenny Racicot.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a nominating convention before July 27 as Troy Jackson emerges after Graham Platner withdraws following rape allegations, shaping the party's path to challenge Susan Collins.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson filed in Maine to potentially replace Graham Platner in the 2026 U.S. Senate race after allegations and Democratic pressure urged Platner to withdraw.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner as the Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee on July 25 after allegations surfaced, and a UNH poll shows 51% of Platner voters chose Jackson first.
7/29/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Troy Jackson replaced Graham Platner as the Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee on July 25 after a denied sexual assault allegation, and a UNH Survey Center poll shows 51% of Platner voters prefer Jackson.
7/29/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Maine Democrats choose a replacement nominee in Bangor after Graham Platner withdrew, with Troy Jackson emerging as the leading contender against Sen. Susan Collins.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will hold a special convention in Bangor in the 2026 Senate race to select Troy Jackson after Graham Platner withdrew, setting up a rematch with Sen. Susan Collins.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats prepare an emergency convention on Saturday to name Troy Jackson as the nominee facing Susan Collins after Graham Platners exit.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan an emergency convention to nominate progressive former Senate president Troy Jackson for the 2026 challenge of Susan Collins after Graham Platner suspended his campaign, with early polling showing Jackson up 49% to 46%.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan to nominate Troy Jackson at a special convention in Bangor after Graham Platner withdrew, launching Jackson's under-four-month general election push against Sen. Susan Collins.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan to nominate Troy Jackson at a special convention in Bangor on Saturday, setting up his challenge to Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson argues for democratic participation as Republican and some Democratic critics challenge Maine's delegate-based process ahead of a likely Senate nomination in Bangor.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson seeks the Democratic nomination in Maine via a delegate vote in Bangor after Graham Platner withdrew following an allegation.
7/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson won county caucus delegate support in Maine, setting up a July 25 convention vote against Susan Collins in hypothetical Senate matchups.
7/19/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson addressed independent-voter concerns during a MS NOW interview as FEC paperwork sought replacement for Graham Platner in Maine's 2026 Senate nomination.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, if Graham Platner withdraws, seeks an open Maine Democratic replacement process while a new poll shows Jackson ahead of Susan Collins.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson files FEC candidacy paperwork in Maine on Tuesday to prepare for a possible Democratic replacement after Graham Platner rape allegations.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Calls for Graham Platner to withdraw after a denied sexual assault allegation raised replacement questions in Maine ahead of his expected contest with Susan Collins in 2026.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson deleted pro-Graham Platner posts in Maine after Jenny Racicot’s sexual assault allegations against Platner, while Platner denied wrongdoing.
7/29/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson deleted older Graham Platner endorsements in Maine after calling for Platner's withdrawal following a publicly denied sexual assault allegation.
7/29/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Maine Democrats replaced Graham Platner with Troy Jackson in a 17-day scramble for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson was selected by Maine Democrats Saturday to challenge Sen. Susan Collins in 2026 after Graham Platner withdrew amid allegations.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson as Senate nominee Saturday after Graham Platner’s collapse, refocusing the Collins unseating effort with 101 days until November.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson in Bangor, Maine, moved to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee after Platner withdrew amid sexual assault allegations earlier in the month.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats selected a nominee Saturday to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation.
7/24/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Democrats in Maine are selecting a replacement for Graham Platner after allegations, with Troy Jackson leading delegate support ahead of a Monday decision and a November challenge to Susan Collins.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson won roughly two-thirds of Maine Democratic convention delegates support to replace Graham Platner, setting up a 2026 Senate matchup against Susan Collins.
7/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic nominee replacement selection accelerates after Graham Platner withdrew in July over denied assault allegations, shifting odds toward Troy Jackson before the July 25 convention.
7/16/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
John Bowden examines Maine Democrats' 2026 Senate replacement for Graham Platner in Maine, focusing on candidate viability after allegations prompted withdrawal.
7/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson faced MS NOW questioning in Maine on his past support for Graham Platner after Platner suspended a Senate bid amid sexual assault allegations in 2026.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Interesting
Former Obama advisers Dan Pfeiffer and Jon Favreau discussed Maine Democratic divisions over Troy Jackson's candidacy in a recent conversation about the state's 2026 Senate race.
10/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson at a Bangor convention last weekend to replace Graham Platner as the party's 2026 Senate nominee, resetting the competitive statewide contest.
7/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic nominee Troy Jackson removed earlier Graham Platner endorsements after allegations against Platner, drawing Republican criticism as Jackson prepares to face Susan Collins in November.
7/29/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Troy Jackson is expected to replace Graham Platner on the Maine 2026 Senate ballot, pursuing populist momentum while distancing from scandal risk to attract independents and moderate women.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Local reporting in Maine described how Graham Platner’s departure from a 2026 Senate race increased momentum for Troy Jackson as a likely Democratic nominee.
7/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan to name a replacement for Graham Platner in the 2026 bid to unseat Senator Susan Collins, with Troy Jackson the likely nominee.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson won the Democratic nomination in Maine for the 2026 Senate race on Saturday and will face Susan Collins, amid sore-loser statute ballot-access questions before July 27.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson emerged on the Maine Democratic shortlist after Graham Platner suspended a 2026 Senate bid amid sexual assault allegations, raising questions about prior support.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General