Troy Jackson

Troy Jackson
Jackson in 2023
United States Senator-elect
from Maine
Assuming office
January 3, 2027
SucceedingSusan Collins
President of the Maine Senate
In office
December 5, 2018 – December 4, 2024
Preceded byMichael Thibodeau
Succeeded byMattie Daughtry
Minority Leader of the Maine Senate
In office
December 7, 2016 – December 5, 2018
Preceded byJustin Alfond
Succeeded byDana Dow
Majority Leader of the Maine Senate
In office
July 10, 2013 – December 3, 2014
Preceded bySeth Goodall
Succeeded byGarrett Mason
Member of the Maine Senate
In office
December 7, 2016 – December 4, 2024
Preceded byPeter Edgecomb
Succeeded bySusan Y. Bernard
Constituency1st district
In office
December 3, 2008 – December 3, 2014
Preceded byJohn L. Martin
Succeeded byDawn Hill
Constituency35th district
Member of the Maine House of Representatives
In office
December 4, 2002 – December 3, 2008
Preceded byMarc Michaud
Succeeded byJohn L. Martin
Constituency151st district (2002–2004)
1st district (2004–2008)
Personal details
BornTroy Dale Jackson
(1968-06-26) June 26, 1968 (age 58)
Fort Kent, Maine, U.S.
PartyDemocratic (2004–present)
Other political
affiliations
Independent (2002–2004)
Republican (before 2002)
Domestic partner
Lana Pelletier
Children2
EducationUniversity of Maine, Fort Kent (AA)
WebsiteCampaign website

Troy Dale Jackson (born June 26, 1968) is an American politician and former logger who is the United States senator-elect from Maine. A member of the Democratic Party, he served in the Maine Senate from 2008 to 2014 and from 2016 to 2024, representing parts of northern Aroostook County. He was the Senate president from 2018 to 2024.

Jackson grew up in Allagash, Maine, and worked as a logger before entering politics. He first served in the Maine House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008, initially as an independent before joining the Democratic Party. He became involved in politics after helping lead a 1998 blockade by Maine loggers protesting the employment of Canadian workers in the state's logging industry. He served as Senate majority leader from 2013 to 2014 and minority leader from 2016 to 2018.

As Senate president, Jackson pursued a populist agenda focused on labor rights, health care and economic issues. His legislative accomplishments included expanding access to prescription drugs, establishing universal free school meals and increasing child care assistance. After an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2026, he became the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate and defeated incumbent Republican Susan Collins in the November general election.

Early life and education

Jackson (back second left) with high school classmates in Allagash, 1986

Jackson was born on June 26, 1968, in Fort Kent, Maine, on the state's border with Canada. His mother, Colleen McBreairty, was a teacher, and his father, Joe Jackson, was a logger. His parents married when they were young and his mother had him when she was 16. He grew up in Allagash in a Catholic family and his parents divorced while he was in middle school. He attended Allagash Consolidated School, where he played the sports the small school offered. He later earned an Associate of Arts degree in business from the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

Logging career

Jackson grew up around the logging industry and rode in his father's logging truck as a child. When he was 12, he witnessed his father and other northern Maine loggers strike over concerns about mechanized harvesting and wages, an experience that shaped his views on labor. At age 19, he began working as a logger despite his parents' wanting him to pursue a different career. Jackson became the fifth generation in his family to work as a logger.

In 1998, while working as a logger, Jackson helped lead a one-week blockade along the Maine–Canada border, with loggers from Maine using their trucks to block Canadian loggers from crossing the border at three border checkpoints. Fourteen other loggers joined him in the blockade. Before the blockade, the group had filed 137 complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor over the hiring of temporary Canadian workers, but all the complaints were denied.

Industrial timber owners and corporate forest groups strongly condemned the blockade of an international crossing and argued that the use of direct action set a dangerous precedent for trade and cross-border transit. Forest industry groups said the blockade threatened Maine's forest-products sector because it disrupted supplies to regional mills and risked damaging longstanding trade ties with Canada. Opponents also argued that hiring temporary Canadian workers through the federal seasonal H-2A visa program was legal and necessary because Maine's wood industry did not have enough local workers.

The blockade ended unsuccessfully after a week. Jackson and two other loggers were escorted away by the police. The incident prompted Jackson to enter electoral politics.

Maine House of Representatives

Jackson first ran for office as a Republican, running for the Maine House of Representatives in 2000 for District 151. He narrowly lost to Democratic nominee Marc Michaud, with 2,017 votes to Michaud's 2,172.

In 2002, Jackson was elected as an independent to House District 151, defeating Michaud, 2,171 votes to 1,176 in a race without a Republican candidate. He was the first non-Democrat to represent the area since 1978. The Bangor Daily News called Jackson's victory the biggest upset of the 2002 elections in Maine.

In 2004, during his first term, Jackson joined the Democratic Party, citing Democratic support for legislation he had sponsored that would allow independent logging contractors to collectively bargain with forest landowners. The bill was signed into law by Governor John Baldacci later that year. After Maine's post-census legislative redistricting, Jackson ran for reelection in 2004 in the new House District 1 as a Democrat. He defeated Republican Paul Berube by a vote of 3,486 to 1,248.

During his second term, Jackson, a father of two children, sponsored legislation in 2005 that required alcohol distributors to post signs stating the legal consequences of buying alcohol for minors. The measure grew out of efforts by a community group from his district in the St. John Valley to combat underage drinking, including placing similar signs in the area, and became law that year. He was reelected to the State House unopposed in 2006.

In the Maine House, Jackson served on the Labor Committee and the Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. He chaired the Fisheries and Wildlife Committee for two terms.

Maine Senate

Maine Senate (2008–2014)

Maine state senate 2010 election results. District 35 is the northernmost district.

In 2008, Jackson was elected to represent District 35 in the Maine State Senate, defeating Republican Daniel DeVeau, 11,188 votes to 6,593. He was reelected in 2010, again defeating DeVeau, 7,525 votes to 5,620, and holding the seat despite a Republican wave that saw the GOP claim its first government trifecta in Maine since 1963. In 2012, Jackson was elected to a third term with 8,521 votes to Republican nominee Peter Edgecomb's 8,016.

In 2010, Jackson introduced a bill that would have prohibited the Maine Department of Conservation from hiring foreign laborers at state-owned logging sites. It passed both the House of Representatives and the State Senate before being vetoed by Republican Governor Paul LePage in 2011. LePage questioned the bill's constitutionality, while Jackson said that LePage was favoring large Canadian logging corporations over American workers.

Democrats regained control of the Maine Senate in the 2012 elections, and in December of that year, Jackson was elected assistant majority leader of the state senate. On July 10, 2013, Jackson was elected majority leader of the Maine Senate after the departure of fellow Democrat Seth Goodall, who resigned to accept a presidential appointment overseeing the New England region of the Small Business Administration.

In June 2013, Jackson called Governor LePage an "obstructionist" and "delusional" during discussions about the 2013–14 state budget. LePage responded that Jackson "claims to be for the people but he's the first one to give it to the people without providing Vaseline". LePage added that Jackson "is a bad person" with "no brains" and a "black heart".

During his first period in the Maine Senate, Jackson served on a number of committees, including the Labor Committee, the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, and the State and Government Committee. He chaired the Labor and Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committees.

Congressional run and the DNC (2014–2016)

On July 1, 2013, after incumbent Democratic Congressman Mike Michaud's decision to explore running for governor, Jackson announced he would run for Maine's 2nd congressional district. On June 10, 2014, Jackson lost the Democratic primary to fellow State Senator Emily Cain, with 21% of the vote to Cain's 79%. Cain lost the general election to Republican Bruce Poliquin.

On January 25, 2015, Jackson was elected as a member of the Democratic National Committee. This gave him a superdelegate vote at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. He was one of only a handful of superdelegates to endorse and vote for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Return to the Maine Senate (2016–2024)

Jackson in 2021

In November 2016, Jackson was reelected to the Maine Senate, in what was now the 1st District, over Republican Timothy Guerrette, with 51.5% of the vote to Guerrette's 48.5%, gaining a seat for the Democrats. A week later, he was chosen by his fellow Democrats to be the senate minority leader. He was reelected in 2018, 2020, and 2022, becoming the senate president as the Democrats gained the majority in 2018 and retained it in 2020 and 2022.

As senate president, Jackson pursued a populist agenda that included fair wages and accessible health care. He sponsored legislation aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. One bill required brand-name drug manufacturers to make their drugs available to generic manufacturers, and became law in 2018 without Governor LePage's signature. In 2019, Jackson sponsored legislation that established a prescription drug affordability board and allowed the importation of prescription drugs, both of which were signed into law by Democratic Governor Janet Mills.

Jackson later introduced a legislation plan to address child care shortages and expand access to free school meals. The plan included legislation sponsored by Jackson, which established universal free school meals, regardless of family income, beginning in the 2022–23 school year. The legislation made Maine the second state in the country to offer such a program. In 2023, Jackson sponsored legislation to expand Maine's child care system that expanded subsidy eligibility to families earning up to 125 percent of the state's median income and doubled the average monthly stipend for child care workers. The expanded eligibility provision took effect the next year.

Jackson's legislative record during his senate presidency also included other health care measures. In 2022, he sponsored legislation that required state-regulated health plans to cover prescription contraceptives without out-of-pocket costs, which became law that year. In 2024, he introduced legislation to regulate medical credit cards used to pay medical bills and protect patients from high interest charges.

Ahead of the 2022 Maine gubernatorial election, Jackson's supporters, including several labor unions and former Portland mayor Ethan Strimling, formed a political action committee named "Run Troy Run" in an attempt to draft Jackson to challenge incumbent governor Janet Mills in the Democratic primary. Jackson distanced himself from the group's efforts, said he would not run against Mills, and endorsed her reelection campaign. In 2023, he ran for a local seat on the Board of Selectmen in Allagash. He lost the election by six votes.

During his second period in the Maine Senate, Jackson served on the Senate Rules Committee and the Joint Select Committee on Joint Rules, which he chaired during his final term. He left the Maine Senate following the 2024 election due to term limits.

2026 gubernatorial campaign

Jackson campaigning alongside Graham Platner at a Portland Hearts of Pine match in September 2025

On March 7, 2025, Jackson announced he was exploring a run for governor of Maine in the 2026 election. On May 19, he announced his candidacy at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery. He said he was running on behalf of working-class Mainers who feel "under attack from billionaires, special interests, and their friends who control Washington".

Jackson was endorsed by 40 local Maine labor unions, as well as high-profile national progressives such as U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative from California Ro Khanna. In March 2026, he was endorsed by the Mi'kmaq Tribal Council, which cited Jackson's longtime support for tribal sovereignty and his establishing a commission to examine the 1980 Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act.

In the ranked-choice Democratic primary, Jackson finished third on first preferences and was eliminated on the third count with 29% of the vote. The primary was won by Hannah Pingree, whom Jackson had cross-endorsed along with fellow candidate Shenna Bellows.

U.S. Senate

Campaign

Jackson's 2026 campaign logo, used for both his campaign for governor and Senate

During their respective primary campaigns, gubernatorial candidate Jackson initially maintained a close political alliance with U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner. They endorsed each other and often appeared at rallies together. On June 9, 2026, Platner won his primary, while Jackson lost his. Less than a month later, a former partner of Platner's accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021. Jackson immediately distanced himself from Platner, rescinded his endorsement, and called on Platner to withdraw from the race. Jackson said it would be "incredibly self-serving" if Platner did not end his Senate campaign but praised Platner for building a movement that "lasted past him".

On July 7, 2026, Jackson filed Federal Election Commission paperwork forming a campaign committee to run for the U.S. Senate as Platner's replacement. Jackson formally announced his candidacy to replace Platner the next day. He has been endorsed by U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and the Maine Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Jackson said he would not accept an endorsement from Platner and that Platner had lied to him when he had asked about Platner's past behavior.

During county caucuses held on July 18 and 19 to elect delegates to a special nominating convention scheduled for July 25, Jackson's slate won an absolute majority in every county except Lincoln and Washington, and 456 out of 500 total elected delegates statewide. His major opponents, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former CDC official Nirav Shah, businessman Dan Kleban, and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood, withdrew on July 19, with the latter three endorsing Jackson.

At the special Democratic convention on July 25, Jackson won the Democratic nomination over healthcare executive Saundra Pelletier, 566–5.

On November 3, Jackson defeated Collins, one of six Democrats to flip Republican-held Senate seats in 2026.

Political positions

Abortion rights

Early in his legislative career, Jackson held socially conservative positions on abortion rights. In both 2003 and 2010, Maine Right to Life, which opposes abortion rights, gave him perfect scores on his voting record. In 2011, he was the only Democrat in the Maine State Senate to vote for a bill that would have given legal standing to a fetus in the event of an attack on a pregnant woman. In 2012, Jackson identified as anti-abortion, and said that abortion should be illegal in all cases except for rape or incest.

He attributed his pro-life stance to his Roman Catholic upbringing, and later said "I've made mistakes early on in understanding" the issue of abortion and changed his stance on the issue. In 2017, he voted against a fetal personhood bill like the 2011 bill he supported. In 2019, he voted for a bill that guarantees that MaineCare and private insurance provide coverage of abortion care if a plan offers prenatal care. In 2023, Jackson helped pass a law that allows abortion at any stage of pregnancy if a doctor deems it medically necessary.

Despite saying he was still not comfortable with abortion, Jackson condemned the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade. In his 2026 Senate campaign, Jackson ran on federally codifying the right to abortion, and was endorsed by Planned Parenthood.

Daylight saving time

Jackson has said that he would preserve daylight saving time, rather than support permanent time observation.

Environment

Jackson supports expanding conservation of public lands, while maintaining public access.

In the Maine Senate, he proposed a bill to ban aerial spraying of the herbicide glyphosate in forests. The bill passed the legislature but was vetoed by Governor Janet Mills, who said she supported taking certain steps but did not support the proposed "blanket prohibition".

Foreign policy

Jackson opposes the 2026 Iran war. He supports aid to Ukraine.

Jackson is critical of Israel and its ongoing genocide in Gaza. In July 2026, he said, "anybody with eyes and a heart knows the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza." He said he would never vote for U.S. military aid to Israel.

Gambling

As Maine Senate President, Jackson pushed strongly to expand tribal gambling rights. He sponsored legislation that granted Maine's Wabanaki nations exclusive rights to operate mobile and online apps for sports betting.

Guns

Early in his political career, Jackson had a legislative history of opposing firearms restrictions and had high ratings from the National Rifle Association.

After the 2023 mass shootings in Lewiston, Jackson shifted his approach toward gun laws in Maine. In the 2024 Maine legislative session, he led several gun safety bills through the legislature, including a 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases and a ban on bump stocks. In 2025, he wrote an op-ed supporting a "yes" vote on Maine Question 2, which implemented a red flag law in the state.

Healthcare

In a 2026 debate, Jackson said he supports Medicare for all. He also supports lower prescription drug prices. In the past, he has supported generic prescription medications, pharmaceutical equivalents to brand-name products whose patents have expired.

Jackson has advocated a legally binding moratorium to prevent private equity firms from purchasing independent healthcare practices in Maine.

Immigration

Jackson has called for the abolition of ICE, and said in a July 2026 debate, "I'd abolish it [ICE] altogether." He said ICE is a "rogue agency" that "gives us nothing in this country but heartache and racism".

LGBTQ rights

Early in his legislative career, Jackson held socially conservative positions on LGBTQ rights. In May 2009, he was one of only two state Senate Democrats to vote against a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Maine.

By 2019, his position had shifted, and he voted in favor of a ban on conversion therapy. In 2024, the LGBTQ rights advocacy group Equality Maine gave him a 100% rating. In his 2026 Senate campaign, Jackson ran on strengthening anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBTQ citizens.

Real estate

Jackson proposes banning purchases by non-Maine private equity firms and multi-state real estate conglomerates of single-family residential starter homes.

Jackson endorses an increased lodging tax on out-of-state visitors. He also proposes a dedicated luxury tax surcharge on vacation homes valued at over $1 million.

Relationship with Bernie Sanders

During the 2016 presidential election, Jackson was a prominent supporter of Bernie Sanders's campaign, and cast his superdelegate vote for him at the Democratic National Convention. On July 6, 2015, he introduced Sanders at a campaign rally before 8,000 supporters in Portland, Maine. During the 2020 presidential election, Jackson again supported Sanders, and again addressed a Portland rally for him on September 1, 2019. After the primaries, Jackson supported the Democratic ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris. On May 21, 2025, Sanders endorsed Jackson's 2026 gubernatorial campaign, and on Labor Day he headlined a Portland campaign rally for Jackson and Platner, attended by 6,500 supporters. Sanders held three rallies in October 2026 in support of Jackson's campaign for U.S. Senate, in Bangor, Lewiston, and Biddeford.

Personal life

Jackson lives in Allagash, Maine, with his longtime partner, Lana Pelletier, and their two adult sons, Chace and Camden. Pelletier, a social worker, is also Jackson's second cousin. He has one granddaughter.

Electoral history

Year Office Election Democratic Votes % Republican Votes % Independent Votes %
2000 Maine House of Representatives, 151st district General Marc Michaud 2,172 51.9% Troy Jackson 2,017 48.1%
2002 Maine House of Representatives, 151st district General Marc Michaud 1,176 35.1% Troy Jackson 2,171 64.9%
2004 Maine House of Representatives, 1st district General Troy Jackson 3,486 73.6% Paul Berube 1,248 26.4%
2006 Maine House of Representatives, 1st district General Troy Jackson 2,826 100.0%
2008 Maine Senate, 35th district General Troy Jackson 11,188 62.9% Daniel DeVeau 6,593 37.1%
2010 Maine Senate, 35th district General Troy Jackson 7,525 55.0% Daniel DeVeau 5,620 41.0%
2012 Maine Senate, 35th district General Troy Jackson 8,521 49.0% Peter Edgecomb 8,016 46.0%
2016 Maine Senate, 1st district General Troy Jackson 9,589 50.3% Timothy Guerrette 9,018 47.3%
2018 Maine Senate, 1st district General Troy Jackson 8,793 59.3% Michael Nadeau 5,683 39.3%
2020 Maine Senate, 1st district General Troy Jackson 10,937 57.6% Brian Schaefer 7,485 39.4%
2022 Maine Senate, 1st district General Troy Jackson 8,817 51.9% Susan Y. Bernard 7,974 47.0%
2014 Democratic primary for U.S. House District 2 results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Emily Cain 19,906 71.0
Democratic Troy Dale Jackson 8,116 29.0
Total votes 28,022 100.0
2023 Allagash first selectman election
Candidate Votes %
Karie Kelly 77 51.7%
Troy Jackson 71 47.7%
Write-ins 1 0.7%
Total: 149
2026 Maine Democratic gubernatorial primary results
Party Candidate Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4
Votes % Transfer Votes % Transfer Votes % Transfer Votes %
Democratic Hannah Pingree 50,552 23.3 +4,808 55,360 26.0 + 20,311 75,671 36.3 + 36,079 111,750 56.2
Democratic Nirav Shah 58,606 26.8 + 4,255 62,860 29.5 +9,821 72,681 34.8 + 14,269 86,950 43.8
Democratic Troy Jackson 45,959 21.1 + 1,638 47,597 22.3 + 12,413 60,010 28.8 - 60,010 Eliminated
Democratic Shenna Bellows 44,770 20.6 + 2,279 47,049 22.1 - 47,049 Eliminated
Democratic Angus King III 17,860 8.3 - 17,860 Eliminated
Continuing ballots 217,747 100.0 212,848 97.8 208,542 95.8 198,700 91.1
Exhausted ballots – + 4,881 4,881 2.2 + 4,504 9,385 4.3 + 9,662 19,047 8.9
Total votes 217,747 100.0 217,747 100.0 217,747 100.0 217,747 100.0

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kobin, Billy (April 30, 2026). "A Maine progressive in Trump country, Troy Jackson seeks the Blaine House". Portland Press-Herald.
  2. ↑ "Lawmakers kick off a pandemic-altered session". Bangor Daily News. December 2, 2020. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020.
  3. ↑ Billings, Randy (November 11, 2022). "Republicans in Maine Legislature shake up leadership after disappointing election". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved November 13, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. 1 2 "Troy Jackson - D Maine, Candidate - Biography | LegiStorm". www.legistorm.com. Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  5. 1 2 Bebernes, Mike; Brewster, Jack (July 26, 2026). "Who is Troy Jackson? What to know about the Democrat chosen to replace Graham Platner in Maine's pivotal Senate race". Yahoo News. Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kobin, Billy (April 30, 2026). "A Maine progressive in Trump country, Troy Jackson seeks the Blaine House". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 Shepherd, Michael (May 10, 2014). "Cain, Jackson divided on abortion, same-sex marriage". Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 18, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  8. ↑ Green, Bill (June 1, 2019). "Politicking from the heart". News Center Maine NBC. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  9. ↑ Kimberlee, Kruesi (August 8, 2026). "How Troy Jackson went from Maine logger to the Democratic nominee for Senate against Susan Collins". AP News. Archived from the original on September 9, 2026. Retrieved September 25, 2026.
  10. ↑ "A Maine progressive in Trump country, Troy Jackson seeks the Blaine House". Portland Press Herald. July 10, 2026.
  11. ↑ "N.A." The Bangor Daily News. November 10, 1999. Retrieved April 13, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
    "N.A." Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on May 4, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
    "N.A." The Bangor Daily New. Archived from the original on May 4, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
    "N.A." The Bangor Daily News. October 27, 1998. Archived from the original on May 4, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
    "1998 Logging Blockade Series". YouTube. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  12. ↑ Jackson, Troy (October 25, 2019). "Here's why the 1998 logging blockade still matters now". Bangor Daily News.
  13. 1 2 3 Sambides Jr., Nick (August 6, 2009). "Border Tensions: Maine loggers contend Canadian companies skirting labor laws". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  14. ↑ Jackson, Troy (October 25, 2019). "Here's why the 1998 logging blockade still matters now". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on October 26, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  15. ↑ Quinn, Francis (November 18, 2000). "Latest pair of recounts maintain House status quo". Portsmouth Herald. Retrieved September 26, 2026.
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  17. ↑ "State of Maine Official General Election Tabulation for the Election held on November 5, 2002 for Representative to the Legislature" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  18. 1 2 Banville, Beurmond (November 7, 2002). "Logger fells incumbent in Aroostook County". Bangor Daily News.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 "Legislator Profile: Troy Jackson". history.mainelegislature.org. Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  20. ↑ Harkavy, Jerry (February 2, 2004). "Logging legislator shapes voice for woods workers". Bangor Daily News. pp. pp.B1, B5. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  21. ↑ Banville, Beurmond (April 28, 2004). "Loggers, haulers get pricing rights". Bangor Daily News. pp. B1. Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  22. ↑ "State of Maine General Election Tabulation for the Election held on November 2, 2004 for Representative to the Legislature" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  23. 1 2 Banville, Beurmond (February 1, 2026). "Fort Kent-born bill aims at underage drinking". The Bangor Daily. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Public Laws, 1st Special Session of the 122nd". legislature.maine.gov. Retrieved September 28, 2026.
  25. ↑ "State of Maine General Election Tabulation for the Election held on November 7, 2006 for Representative to the Legislature" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  26. ↑ "State of Maine General Election Tabulation for the Election held on November 4, 2008 for State Senate" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  27. ↑ "State of Maine General Election Tabulation for the Election held on November 2, 2010 for State Senate" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  28. ↑ "11-6-2012 General & Referendum Election State Senate" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  29. ↑ "LePages comments on logging stir debate in The County". Bangor Daily News. August 26, 2011. Archived from the original on October 5, 2011.
  30. ↑ Cousins, Christopher (July 10, 2013). "Senate Democrats pick Jackson, Haskell as leaders after Goodall's resignation". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on July 12, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  31. ↑ Richardson, Whit (June 4, 2013). "Seth Goodall resigning his Senate seat to take SBA post". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 16, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  32. ↑ "Maine ex-lawmaker throws jar of Vaseline at Paul LePage". Politico. April 3, 2015.
  33. ↑ Cousins, Christopher (June 21, 2013). "Democratic senator lets LePage 'Vaseline' jab slide off his back". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on September 17, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  34. ↑ "5 Times Maine Gov. Paul LePage Apologized for Offending People". Time. August 26, 2016.
  35. ↑ Cousins, Christopher (July 1, 2013). "Aroostook County's Sen. Troy Jackson announces run for congressional seat". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  36. ↑ Moretto, Mario (June 10, 2014). "Emily Cain wins Democrats' 2nd District primary — Politics — Bangor Daily News — BDN Maine". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on July 16, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Ultimately We Didn't Win' — Emily Cain Reflects on 2nd District Loss". Maine Public. November 9, 2016.
  38. ↑ "25 - January - 2015 - Maine Progressives Warehouse". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  39. 1 2 Moretto, Mario (July 6, 2015). "Bernie Sanders urges 'political revolution' in Portland". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on August 14, 2015. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
  40. ↑ Times, The New York (August 1, 2017). "Maine 1st District State Senate Results: Troy Jackson Wins". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  41. ↑ "November 8, 2016 General Election State Senate" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  42. ↑ Cousins, Christopher (November 14, 2016). "Democrats elect Troy Jackson to lead them in the Maine Senate". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  43. ↑ "11/6/18 General Election - State Senate" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  44. ↑ "11/3/2020 General Election State Senator" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  45. ↑ "11/8/2022 General Election State Senator" (PDF). Maine.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 10, 2024.
  46. ↑ Miller, Kevin (December 5, 2018). "Democrats assume control of Maine Legislature, select leaders and top state officers". The Portland Press Herald. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  47. ↑ Beacon Staff (November 16, 2016). "New Senate Democratic leaders pledge to 'fight like hell' for working Mainers". Maine Beacon. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  48. ↑ Russell, Eric (June 22, 2017). "Maine Senate gives initial approval to bill aimed at lowering prescription prices". The Portland Press Herald. Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  49. ↑ DeRose, Cara (March 12, 2019). "Maine Democrats ramp up fight to cut prescription drug costs". Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  50. ↑ Teboe, Chloe (May 20, 2021). "'Kids First' plan addresses childhood hunger in Maine". News Center Maine NBC. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  51. ↑ Teboe, Chloe (July 13, 2021). "New law will require Maine public schools to provide free meals to all students". New Center Maine NBC. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  52. ↑ Kobin, Billy (August 8, 2023). "The big changes coming to Maine's child care system, explained". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  53. ↑ Cover, Susan (February 14, 2022). "Maine Democrats to push new health care bills". Spectrum News. Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  54. ↑ "LD 1954, SP 691, Text and Status, 130th Legislature, Second Regular Session". legislature.maine.gov. Retrieved September 27, 2026.
  55. ↑ Popp, Evan (January 25, 2024). "Lawmakers unveil proposals to rein in Mainers' medical debt burden". Maine Morning Star. Retrieved September 29, 2026.
  56. 1 2 Howard, Andrew (October 10, 2021). "The fruitless effort to primary Gov. Janet Mills". The Maine Monitor. Archived from the original on May 16, 2026. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  57. 1 2 Potila, Jessica (April 11, 2023). "Troy Jackson's opponent retains Allagash office after recount". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  58. ↑ Shepherd, Michael; Kobin, Billy (March 7, 2025). "Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson explores a run for governor". Bangor Daily News. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
  59. ↑ Flisiuk, Francis (May 19, 2025). "Troy Jackson officially announces campaign for Maine governor". WMTW. Archived from the original on May 20, 2025. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  60. ↑ Cohen, Larry (February 27, 2026). "The Candidate From Rural Maine Fighting Big Money". Barn Raiser. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  61. ↑ "Mi'kmaq Nation Chief, Tribal Council endorse Troy Jackson for Maine Governor | Maine AFL-CIO". maineaflcio.org. March 30, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  62. 1 2 3 Ohm, Rachel (June 19, 2026). "Hannah Pingree wins ranked-choice runoff in Democratic primary for governor". The Portland Press Herald. Archived from the original on June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
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  64. ↑ "In Graham Platner's home county and across Maine, Troy Jackson gains early edge in Senate fight". NBC News. July 19, 2026. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
  65. ↑ Davis, Emma (May 26, 2026). "Platner, Sanders, Jackson join forces again for Memorial Day rally". Maine Morning Star. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
  66. ↑ Wren, Adam; Piper, Jessica (July 6, 2026). "Exclusive: Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her". POLITICO. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  67. ↑ "Troy Jackson files to explore Senate run in case Graham Platner drops out". Portland Press Herald. July 7, 2026.
  68. ↑ "Former Maine Sen. Troy Jackson says it would be 'self-serving' if Graham Platner runs". NPR. July 8, 2026. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  69. ↑ "Troy Jackson jumps out to big lead in race to replace Graham Platner in Maine". POLITICO. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  70. 1 2 "Troy Jackson makes his Senate run official". POLITICO. July 9, 2026. Retrieved July 9, 2026.
  71. ↑ Howard, Andrew; Hernandez, Alec; Steakin, Will; Sommerfeldt, Chris (July 7, 2026). "The race to replace Graham Platner has already begun". POLITICO. Retrieved July 13, 2026.
  72. ↑ "The race to replace Graham Platner has already begun". Politico. July 7, 2026.
  73. ↑ "Who are the candidates seeking to replace Graham Platner, and where do they stand on Israel?". Jewish Insider. July 9, 2026.
  74. 1 2 Kail, Benjamin (October 2, 2026). "Bernie Sanders to rally 3 times with Troy Jackson in Maine". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
  75. ↑ Binday, Ben; Merica, Dan (July 8, 2026). "Maine Democrats don't seem eager for an endorsement from Graham Platner". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  76. ↑ Svitek, Patrick (July 22, 2026). "How Troy Jackson went from an anti-abortion Republican to the Democrats' hope for defeating Susan Collins | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  77. ↑ @TroyJackson207 (July 20, 2026). "Thank you, Maine. Our campaign has always been powered by ordinary Mainers—not corporate PACs or wealthy special interests, but neighbors organizing neighbors because they believe we deserve better. In November, we are going to defeat Susan Collins and reclaim our Senate seat" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter).
  78. ↑ Shepherd, Michael (July 19, 2026). "Troy Jackson locks down delegates needed to clinch Maine Democratic Senate nod". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  79. ↑ Wagner, Bayliss; Cromwell, Sydney; Balk, Tim (July 19, 2026). "In Maine Senate Race, Jackson Sprints Ahead of Pack, as Bellows Drops Out". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  80. ↑ Condon, Emily R.; Cullen, Margie. "Troy Jackson replaces Graham Platner as Maine Senate Democratic nominee". USA TODAY. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
  81. ↑ Tumulty, Karen (July 19, 2026). "Maine Democrats rally around logger Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  82. ↑ "Maine U.S. Senate Election 2026 Live Results: Susan Collins vs. Troy Jackson". www.nbcnews.com. November 4, 2026. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
  83. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Epstein, Reid J.; Reinhard, Beth (July 21, 2026). "Once Anti-Abortion, Now a Progressive: The Evolution of a Maine Democrat". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  84. ↑ Shepherd, Michael (May 11, 2014). "Democrats split on social issues in 2nd District". Portland Press Herald.
  85. ↑ "2017 Maine People's Alliance Legislative Scorecard - 128th Legislative Session". Maine People's Alliance. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019.
  86. ↑ "See How Your Legislators Voted - 2019 Legislative Scorecard". mpascorecard.org. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  87. ↑ Burns, Christopher (July 21, 2026). "How Troy Jackson evolved on abortion". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
  88. 1 2 "Troy's priorities in the Senate". Troy Jackson for Maine. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  89. ↑ "Planned Parenthood Action Endorses Troy Jackson for Senate in Maine". www.plannedparenthoodaction.org. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
  90. ↑ "5 Takeaways From a Maine Debate That Showed Replacing Platner Isn't Easy". The New York Times. July 16, 2026.
  91. ↑ Wight, Patty (May 29, 2026). "Democratic gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson releases conservation plan". Maine Public. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  92. ↑ Mills, Keenan (May 29, 2026). "Gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson unveils conservation plan". WABI-TV. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  93. ↑ "Maine approves ban on aerial spraying of herbicides in woods". Associated Press. June 14, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  94. ↑ Cox, Aidan (June 29, 2021). "Maine governor accused of being 'too close' to industry after vetoing bill to ban glyphosate spraying". CBC News. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  95. ↑ McCaskill, Nolan D. (July 17, 2026). "Maine Democratic Senate candidates brand Collins a Trump enabler in debate". Reuters. Retrieved July 20, 2026. Every candidate opposed the war in Iran and supported Ukraine aid.
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  99. ↑ "Bill Proposals to Expand Tribal Gaming Scheduled for Public Hearings in Maine". World Casino Directory. January 3, 2024.
  100. ↑ Marino, Jessica (January 27, 2024). "Son of NRA-backed Maine Democrat lobbies for gun control". Bangor Daily News.
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  102. ↑ "Maine Democrat Set to Replace Platner Moves Party Left on Guns in Key Senate Race". The Reload. July 24, 2026.
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  106. ↑ "Troy Jackson Unveils Policy Platform - 'Contract with Working Mainers". Maine AFL-CIO. December 10, 2025.
  107. ↑ "Susan Collins 'Must Be Held Accountable for Funding This Terror,' Says Troy Jackson After ICE Killing | Common Dreams". www.commondreams.org. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
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  110. ↑ "Immigration enforcement becomes a flashpoint in Maine Senate race after fatal ICE shooting". ABC News. July 22, 2026. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  111. ↑ Lagerquist, Gregg (April 23, 2026). "Truth Tracker: Hannah Pingree ad highlights civil rights record, omits context". WGME. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  112. ↑ "Maine's Jordan Wood on Graham Platner, ICE and Susan Collins | Advocate.com". www.advocate.com. Retrieved July 20, 2026.
  113. ↑ Jackson, Troy (May 14, 2026). "For too long, residents of mobile home parks have been left out of the conversation". Twitter/X.
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  115. ↑ West, Adrian Nathan (June 11, 2026). "When private equity came for trailer parks". UnHerd.
  116. ↑ "What Maine's Democratic gubernatorial candidates are saying about housing". Maine Public. May 4, 2026.
  117. ↑ "Bernie Sanders' populist message draws thousands to campaign event in Portland - The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram". July 6, 2015. Archived from the original on February 3, 2017. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
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  122. ↑ "Biography". Maine Senate. Archived from the original on June 17, 2009.
  123. ↑ "Maine Democrats Nominate Troy Jackson for the U.S. Senate Race". q1065.fm. July 26, 2026.
  124. ↑ Reinhard, Beth (November 4, 2026). "How Troy Jackson Defeated Susan Collins in Maine, Ending Her 30 Year Senate Career". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
  125. ↑ Pelletier, Lana (October 21, 2026). "Opinion: My family has been dragged into the US Senate campaign. I want to speak for myself". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
  126. ↑ Higgins-Dunn, Kellen (April 11, 2023). "Troy Jackson Accuses Allagash Officials of Rigging Vote in Local Election He Lost". The Maine Wire. Retrieved July 31, 2026.

Notes

  1. ↑ The Jackson campaign claims 481 out of 500 elected delegates. This article uses numbers sourced by the Bangor Daily News.
  2. ↑ In the initial March 24 count, Jackson trailed Kelly 70 votes to 78. A recount Jackson requested, held April 11, produced a corrected tally of Kelly 77, Jackson 71.