Maine Democrats have chosen Troy Jackson as their Senate nominee to face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election. Jackson, the former state Senate president, won a nearly unanimous vote at the party convention in Bangor, with 566 delegates supporting him.

Convention and Nomination

The convention had a unique feel, with delegates seated in rows organized by county and voting on printed ballots. Jackson’s only opponent, Saundra Pelletier, received just five votes. Jackson’s nomination comes after a brief and unusual contest to replace Graham Platner, who dropped out of the race amid scandal.

Jackson has shifted his attention to the general election, criticizing Collins for her support of Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe v. Wade and her votes to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Collins has labeled Jackson a ‘Bernie bro,’ a term sometimes used to describe supporters of independent Senator Bernie Sanders.

General Election Ahead

Jackson will face an uphill battle in the general election, with Collins having a strong record of winning in Maine. However, Jackson has consolidated support from former opponents and Maine Democratic leaders, and he has a strong platform that includes passing Medicare for All and abolishing ICE.

Despite the challenges ahead, Jackson remains optimistic about his chances, saying that he is ‘running for every worker who’s ever been told to keep their head down, accept less, and be grateful for the scraps that they were given.’ With just over 100 days until the election, Jackson will need to work quickly to build momentum and defeat Collins.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.