Troy Jackson poised to seize Maine baton after Platner's exit
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Add Axios on Google Troy Jackson, a Democrat from Maine, speaks during a Fighting Oligarchy event in Portland, Maine, on May 25. Photo: Sophie Park/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Democrats are rallying around former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson (D) in the quest to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins this fall after Graham Platner's embattled campaign crashed, burned and ended.
Why it matters: Jackson's expected coronation is another win for the left flank of the Democratic party, which is lining up behind another progressive candidate as their best shot at flipping one of the most important seats to win back Senate control.
Driving the news: Jackson all but locked up the nomination last weekend after Democrats across the state overwhelmingly selected his preferred delegate slate ahead of Saturday's convention.
Catch up quick: Jackson, whose campaign describes him as a fifth-generation logger and "lifelong fighter for workers' rights," finished third in June's Democratic primary for governor.
What's next: Saturday's convention of 601 delegates from the state's 16 counties will make the new Democratic candidate official.
Friction point: Jackson may glide through his party's nomination process, but Republicans have been preparing a massive ad blitz against Platner's replacement.
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