In Bangor on Wednesday, Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson announced a new “Women for Troy” coalition that includes hundreds of women from all 16 counties in Maine. The move comes as Jackson seeks to solidify support among female voters after months of intraparty turmoil that saw former governor Janet Mills drop out of the primary and insurgent Graham Platner’s campaign collapse amid a rape allegation he denies.
Targeting women’s autonomy
Jackson’s campaign aired a television spot featuring his mother, Colleen McBreairty, vouching for his character while showing him meeting with women throughout the state. “Women should support Troy Jackson because he supports allowing women to make their own decisions about their own bodies,” said coalition member Caroline Mitchell of Oxford County. The ad directly contrasts Jackson with Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who describes herself as “pro-choice” but voted to confirm Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a key vote that led to the Dobbs decision ending federal protections for unborn children.
Democratic strategy shifts
After a chaotic primary season, Democrats are refocusing the narrative on Collins rather than Jackson’s past opposition to abortion rights. Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, will visit Maine to unveil the group’s endorsement of Jackson, noting his evolution on the issue over the past decade. “We feel like Troy has more than made up for his history by being a critical champion and partner to Governor Mills in the response to Dobbs,” Timmaraju said.
Fundraising gap narrows
Jackson has raised roughly $2 million in the two days following his nomination, while Collins entered the month with an $11 million war chest. Polls show the race is competitive: a recent Fox News poll found 50% of female voters backing Jackson and 46% supporting Collins.
Background and personal story
Jackson, a longtime logger and former state legislator, was raised Catholic and has publicly acknowledged that he was “wrong” to oppose abortion rights early in his career. After the Dobbs decision, he worked with Governor Mills to expand access to reproductive health services in Maine. “When Roe was overturned, I didn’t wring my hands or make excuses — I got to work,” Jackson said.
Republican attacks and lingering questions
Republican‑aligned super PAC Pine Tree Results has aired ads highlighting Jackson’s past ties to Platner and alleging past conflicts with female colleagues, including an unverified claim that he pushed his partner, Lana Pelletier, in a 1988 altercation. Jackson has denied any violence. Meanwhile, Collins’ campaign has largely run positive ads, emphasizing her record of representing Maine women despite party differences.
Looking ahead
The Senate race is viewed as a key battleground for flipping control of the chamber in November. With both candidates sharpening their messages, the focus on women’s voters—who comprised three‑in‑five voters in Collins’ 2022 reelection—will likely shape the final outcome.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
