Maine Democrats selected a new candidate for a pivotal U.S. Senate race on Saturday, following the withdrawal of their original nominee amid sexual misconduct allegations.
Delegates at a hastily arranged nominating convention chose Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president, to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
“Thank you, Maine. In 101 days, we will defeat Susan Collins and reclaim our Senate seat. Let’s get to work,” Jackson posted on social media following his selection.
The decision comes just over two weeks after the previous candidate, Graham Platner, exited the race.
A Marine veteran, oyster fisherman, and political newcomer, Platner had captured the Democratic primary with an energetic, anti-establishment platform that drew national attention. He survived earlier controversies, including scrutiny over a Nazi-linked tattoo, but his support collapsed after a former partner publicly accused him of rape.
