Maine Democrats should have learned from Graham Platner's downfall. Instead, they risk repeating the same mistake: nominating a controversial populist with a divisive past rather than a moderate who could unite broad support.
Former Maine State Senator Troy Jackson has surged to the front of a crowded primary field as the left-wing heir to Platner's movement. A Chism Strategies poll shows Jackson leading Dr. Nirav Shah among June primary voters, 40 percent to 23 percent. But nominating Jackson could jeopardize Democrats' path to retaking the Senate, given Maine's pivotal role.
Jackson's Record Raises Red Flags
Jackson, a former Republican and union logger, has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders's Our Revolution and Rep. Ro Khanna, both of whom backed Platner. But his record includes positions that should alarm progressives. In 2022, he authored legislation to restrict non-Americans from working in Maine, even with legal permits. In 2009, he voted against marriage equality. He maintained for years that abortion should be illegal even to save the mother's life, and in 2011 and 2013, he voted to curtail abortion rights.
Jackson argues he is Platner's natural successor, positioning himself as a working-class champion. But that argument is flawed. An independent Maine voter told MS Now: "Jackson is not a progressive. He voted against so many things, like gay marriage, abortion ... now [he] wants to say he's a progressive," adding that if Jackson is the nominee, he would vote for Collins.
The Independent Voter Trap
Progressives may doubt Jackson's conversion from right-wing radical, but his record could repel independents and hand Sen. Susan Collins a victory. His past provides ample ammunition for Collins's well-funded campaign. Even more damaging, Jackson's history undermines Democrats' strongest attack on Collins: her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, which angered abortion-rights supporters. If Democrats nominate a candidate who himself opposed abortion rights for years, that contrast evaporates, letting Collins shift attention to Jackson's record.
Maine Democrats should not simply coronate Jackson because he resembles Platner. Platner's primary was uncontested, yet nearly 30 percent of Democrats voted against him. Jackson has not built a movement like Platner's. A more moderate candidate could attract moderates and independents, especially after the recent ICE-involved shooting in Maine, which became a debate theme. A moderate Democrat could credibly criticize ICE excesses while supporting deporting violent criminals—a stance Jackson's flip from anti-immigrant hardliner makes awkward.
What Democrats Should Do
The 601 delegates choosing Platner's replacement face an unprecedented decision with vast consequences for the 2026 midterms. Without Maine, Democrats' Senate path becomes nearly impossible. Rather than seeking a Platner-lite candidate—who might not have beaten Collins anyway—Democrats should prioritize a candidate who can win over moderates and independents, broadening the base instead of polarizing it. The party must learn from Platner's withdrawal and avoid repeating history.
For deeper context on the shifting political landscape, see how Maine Democrats reached this crossroads and the growing intraparty feud over Sanders's endorsements. The stakes could not be higher: Democrats hold only a narrow generic ballot lead, making every Senate race critical.
