One month after securing the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, former state legislator Troy Jackson is intensifying his outreach to women across Maine. The effort comes as the race against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins tightens, with both candidates positioning themselves on the issue of unborn child rights.
Building a Women‑Focused Coalition
Jackson’s campaign announced the formation of a “Women for Troy” coalition that includes hundreds of women from all 16 counties. The group will host events, door‑to‑door canvassing, and a television ad featuring Jackson’s mother, Colleen McBreairty, speaking to his character and his commitment to families.
“Women should support Troy Jackson because he supports allowing women to make their own decisions about their own bodies,” said Caroline Mitchell, a coalition member from Oxford County. “Women should not support Susan Collins because she has enabled the government to make that decision for women.”
Contrast on Unborn Child Rights
Jackson, who was once opposed to abortion rights, has publicly recanted that stance and now describes himself as a champion for unborn child rights. He points to his work with Governor Janet Mills after the Dobbs decision to expand access to reproductive health services in the state.
Collins, who describes herself as supporting abortion rights, faces criticism from Jackson’s camp for her 2018 vote to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who joined the majority in the Dobbs decision that ended federal protections for unborn children.
Fundraising Gap and Poll Numbers
Jackson’s fundraising remains behind Collins’s war chest. In the two days after his nomination, his campaign raised $2 million, while Collins entered July with an $11 million fund. A recent Fox News poll shows the race is close among women voters, with 50 % backing Jackson and 46 % supporting Collins.
Local Endorsements and Party Dynamics
Reproductive Freedom for All, a national advocacy group, endorsed Jackson on Wednesday, with its president Mini Timmaraju visiting the state to announce the endorsement. The group previously backed Governor Mills in the primary but did not endorse Graham Platner, whose campaign collapsed after a rape allegation he denies.
Jackson’s Catholic background and longtime service as a logger have helped him appeal to both progressive labor voters and more traditional constituents. He acknowledges past mistakes on the abortion issue, saying, “When Roe was overturned, I didn’t wring my hands or make excuses — I got to work.”
Republican Counter‑Messaging
Republican‑aligned super PAC Pine Tree Results has aired ads linking Jackson to Platner’s alleged misconduct and accusing him of past violence toward a former partner. Jackson has denied any such behavior.
Collins’s campaign has largely focused on positive messaging, emphasizing her record of constituent service. A spokesperson for Collins highlighted her consistent support for Maine women, even when they disagree on policy.
Looking Ahead
With the November election shaping the balance of power in the Senate, both campaigns are sharpening their messages. Jackson’s team believes a focus on women’s autonomy and a clear contrast with Collins will resonate in a state where women comprised three‑fifths of voters in Collins’s 2022 re‑election.
As the race enters its final stretch, Maine voters will decide whether to keep a long‑standing Republican voice in the Senate or elect a Democrat who argues his evolution on unborn child rights aligns with the values of families across the state.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
