Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate President, has built an overwhelming advantage in the contest to replace Graham Platner and take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a must-win race for Democrats in their bid for control of the US Senate.
Maine Democrats’ Nomination
Delegates on Jackson’s slate won about 300 of the 319 slots up for grabs Saturday during the first day of county-level delegate selection for the July 25 convention to pick a new nominee. If those delegates remain supportive of Jackson, that would give him roughly the support he’d need to win the nomination at the convention.
Jackson will look to further tighten his grip on Sunday when the state’s remaining counties elect 181 more delegates. “We’re well on our way to getting the government that we deserve,” Jackson said Saturday night on X, addressing supporters. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Background
Platner dropped out of the race on July 10 amid a series of scandals that culminated in a rape allegation that he denies. While Jackson was among those who called on Platner to end his bid, Jackson previously campaigned alongside Platner and presented himself as the candidate best positioned to continue his progressive political movement.
Jackson has a more understated style than Platner, who thrilled crowds across Maine with his gravelly voiced denunciations of the rich and powerful. But Jackson tied himself closely to Platner in an unsuccessful bid for governor earlier this year and has directly appealed to Platner’s former supporters.
The July 25 convention, which will be held in Bangor, will feature 601 delegates. Five hundred delegates will come from this weekend’s county elections, while the remaining 101 will come automatically from the Democratic State Committee.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
