Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate Democratic leader, is on the verge of replacing Graham Platner as the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine. Jackson has spent over two decades working in state politics, a resume that sets him apart even as he embraces a similar progressive platform and openly appeals to former Platner supporters.

Early Career

Jackson began his career in politics in 2000, running for office as a Republican. He was a logger who became involved in politics after a 1998 logging blockade in northern Maine. He helped lead the weeklong blockade in protest of landowners hiring Canadian workers, driving down pay for US workers.

Jackson’s allies see the best of both worlds, especially after Maine Democrats took a risk on an outsider in Platner – and were sorely disappointed as his campaign imploded amid an allegation of rape that Platner denies. Jackson has been accused of having angry outbursts with state lawmakers, but his supporters say he has listened, learned, and changed his position on some issues.

Abortion Stance

Jackson, who was raised Catholic, now says he was wrong on abortion and has built a voting record in recent years that is more aligned with national party positions. However, his ideological past has continued to haunt him in some races, including this year’s primary for governor.

A national group that supported rival Nirav Shah criticized Jackson’s past stance on abortion, saying ‘Mainers just can’t trust Troy Jackson on abortion.’ Jackson’s campaign said his political transformation stands in contrast with his opponent, Susan Collins, who voted to confirm several justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, thereby ending protections for unborn children.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.