Troy
D. Jackson
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is the 2026 Democratic nominee challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.
- sources
- 30
- positions
- 10
- endorsements
- 18
Background
Troy D. Jackson is a Democrat from Allagash, in Aroostook County, Maine, where he was born, raised, and still lives. He describes himself as a fifth-generation logger who worked cutting wood, driving trucks, and operating heavy equipment before entering politics. He holds an associate's degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent (2000). 24
Jackson served in the Maine House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008, then in the Maine Senate from 2008 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2024. He served as president of the Maine Senate from 2018 until he reached his term limit in 2024. 2
On July 25, 2026, Jackson won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate at a special party convention, replacing the previous nominee. He is challenging Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins in the November 2026 general election. 1112
Jackson has centered his campaign on his rural roots and working-class background. He debated Collins on October 6–8, 2026, in what observers described as a closely watched contest. 716
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. Senate, Maine
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate (Maine)
- Website
- troyjacksoncampaign.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 15debateFourth Collins–Jackson debate scheduled for October 15
A fourth debate between Collins and Jackson was listed as scheduled for October 15. The date also coincides with Jackson's FEC fundraising filing deadline, per AP reporting.
Collins vs. Jackson debate takeaways · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 13debateThird Collins–Jackson debate scheduled for October 13
A third debate between Collins and Jackson was listed as scheduled for October 13, part of a flurry of October debates in the Maine Senate race.
Collins vs. Jackson debate takeaways · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9newsJackson reacts publicly to Obama endorsement, calls it an honor
Jackson responded to former President Obama's endorsement, saying he was honored by the support as he works to unseat incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in the November 3 general election.
Troy Jackson reacts to Barack Obama endorsement for Maine ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 9pollWashington Post/Schar School poll shows Jackson leading Collins 50%–46% among likely voters
A Washington Post/Schar School poll conducted September 30–October 5 and released October 9 showed Jackson leading Collins 50% to 46% among likely voters, within the ±3.8-point margin of error. The survey preceded the October 6 and 8 debates.
Democrat has edge over Susan Collins in critical Maine ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8endorsementBarack Obama endorses Troy Jackson in Maine Senate race
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Jackson in a campaign video, saying 'In this economy, we need a fighter like Troy.' Obama cited Jackson's work on wages, prescription-drug costs, school meals and abortion rights. Jackson said he was 'honored' by the endorsement.
Former President Obama backs Troy Jackson in Senate race · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 8debateJackson and Collins hold second debate; Collins presses Jackson on corporate PAC money
In the second debate, Collins questioned Jackson about corporate and lobbying contributions to the Maine Senate Democratic Campaign Committee he had led. Jackson acknowledged a 'real significant role' in the committee but said he could not stop corporate PAC and lobbyist money from coming in, even as he campaigns against 'greedy corporations.'
Troy Jackson, Running for Senate Against 'Greedy Corporations,' Says He 'Can't Help' That a PAC He Led Took Corporate Money · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6debateJackson and Collins hold first televised debate, sparring over immigration, health care, and affordability
In the first televised debate, Jackson said he did not believe ICE's actions were ethical and called for its disbandment with funding redirected to CBP. He argued federal policy was worsening health care access and that tariffs and tax policy were driving up costs. He also reiterated support for Medicare for All.
Maine Senate candidates spar on key issues in first ... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6controversyJackson draws criticism for insulting Collins's intelligence during debate
At the first debate, Jackson drew criticism after making a comment insulting Collins's intelligence while criticizing her vote to confirm a Supreme Court justice who voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to New York Times debate coverage.
Collins and Jackson to Meet for Maine Senate Debate · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6pollMarist Poll shows Jackson leading Collins 51%–47% among Maine registered voters
A Marist Poll conducted October 1–4 and released October 6 showed Jackson leading Collins 51% to 47% among Maine registered voters, with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points. Among independents, Jackson led 52% to 45%.
Midterm Elections in Maine, October 2026 · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5newsAP reports Jackson scrambling to defeat Collins amid compressed campaign timeline
AP reported that Jackson, selected as the Democratic nominee only in late July, was working to overcome a shortened general-election campaign timeline against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The FEC filing deadline for his fundraising was not until October 15.
Troy Jackson is scrambling to defeat Maine Sen. Susan ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2pollCBS News/YouGov poll finds Jackson and Collins tied at 50% each among registered voters
A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted September 23–October 1 found the candidates tied at 50% each among registered voters, with a margin of error of ±4.7 points. One in five voters who disapproved of President Trump said they would still vote for Collins.
CBS News poll finds voters split on state v. national focus in tied Maine Senate race · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 24pollPoll shows Collins opening first lead over Jackson in Maine Senate race
A poll released around September 24 showed Susan Collins opening her first lead over Troy Jackson in the Maine Senate race, according to Yahoo News coverage.
Susan Collins opens first lead over Troy Jackson in Maine ... · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 20newsJackson reported to have raised $5.3M in Maine Senate race against Collins
Reporting from around September 20 noted Jackson's fundraising figures in his Senate race against Susan Collins, citing $5.3 million raised.
Troy Jackson Raises $5.3M in Maine Senate Race Against Susan Collins - Time News · Sep 20, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 15pollNYT/Press Herald/Siena poll shows Collins leading Jackson 49%–46% among likely voters
A New York Times/Press Herald/Siena poll conducted around September 15–22 showed Collins ahead of Jackson 49% to 46% among likely voters, according to results summarized in later Newsweek coverage.
What Maine Senate race polls show as Obama gives ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 1newsJackson campaign reports $7 million in contributions since becoming Democratic nominee
Jackson's campaign said it had received $7 million in contributions since he became the Democratic nominee. This was a campaign-reported figure; the FEC report covering that period had not yet been filed as of early October. The next FEC filing deadline was October 15.
Troy Jackson is scrambling to defeat Maine Sen. Susan ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 25filingMaine Democrats select Troy Jackson as Senate nominee at special convention
After Graham Platner, who won the June Democratic primary, withdrew following a sexual assault allegation, Maine Democrats chose Jackson at a special nominating convention on July 25 to replace him as the party's Senate nominee. The compressed timeline left Jackson with a shorter general-election campaign.
Maine's Senate race timeline: How Collins vs. Jackson ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Nation's largest transit union (unnamed) unionAppears in an endorsement headline on Jackson's campaign endorsement-news page; the organization is not named and no date is provided. jacksonformaine.com
- League of Conservation Voters Action Fund organizationListed by Jackson's campaign as endorsing him; no individual announcement date shown on the campaign page. jacksonformaine.com
- Planned Parenthood Action Fund organizationListed by Jackson's campaign as endorsing him; no announcement date provided on the campaign page. jacksonformaine.com
- UNITE HERE unionAppears in an endorsement headline on Jackson's campaign endorsement-news page; no individual date provided. jacksonformaine.com
- Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) officialBacked Jackson during the Senate-candidate succession in July, reportedly hours before Graham Platner suspended his campaign. No precise date specified. nytimes.com
- End Citizens United organizationListed by Jackson's campaign as endorsing him; no announcement date provided on the campaign page. jacksonformaine.com
- Association of Flight Attendants unionAppears in an endorsement headline on Jackson's campaign endorsement-news page; no individual date provided. jacksonformaine.com
- Barack Obama officialFormer President Obama endorsed Jackson in a video released October 7; news reports described the endorsement on October 8. Obama said he was 'proud to be on board' the campaign. washingtonpost.com · Oct 7, 2026
- EqualityMaine organizationEndorsed Jackson as Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate; report dated September 30. bostonspiritmagazine.com · Sep 30, 2026
- Maine Education Association (MEA) unionAnnounced its endorsement on September 9. maineea.org · Sep 9, 2026
- IAM Union Maine State Council unionUnanimously endorsed Jackson; announcement dated July 25. goiam.org · Jul 25, 2026
- MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 unionMembers endorsed Jackson; the union's board voted after the Democratic convention on July 25, though the announcement was published September 16. mseaseiu.org · Jul 25, 2026
- Dan Kleban officialEndorsed Jackson after withdrawing from the Democratic nomination contest on July 19, according to the Associated Press. ap.org · Jul 19, 2026
- Nirav Shah officialEndorsed Jackson after withdrawing from the Democratic nomination contest on July 19, according to the Associated Press. ap.org · Jul 19, 2026
- Jordan Wood officialEndorsed Jackson after withdrawing from the Democratic nomination contest on July 19, according to the Associated Press. ap.org · Jul 19, 2026
- Our Revolution organizationPublicly stated it was 'proudly backing Troy Jackson' by July 18. ourrevolution.com · Jul 18, 2026
- Maine AFL-CIO unionEndorsed Jackson in mid-July; Politico reported the endorsement on July 15 as having occurred 'over the weekend.' politico.com · Jul 15, 2026
- UAW Region 9A local unions in Maine unionVoted unanimously to endorse Jackson; announcement dated July 15. region9a.uaw.org · Jul 15, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $0
- Spent
- $0
- Cash on hand
- $0
Reporting date not available. ↳ FEC record S6ME00464(opens in a new tab)
Sources 30
- [1] Collins vs. Jackson debate takeaways(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [2] Democrat has edge over Susan Collins in critical Maine ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [3] Troy Jackson reacts to Barack Obama endorsement for Maine ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [4] Troy Jackson, Running for Senate Against 'Greedy Corporations,' Says He 'Can't Help' That a PAC He Led Took Corporate Money(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [5] What Maine Senate race polls show as Obama gives ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
- [6] Former President Obama backs Troy Jackson in Senate race(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [7] Obama endorses Troy Jackson in Maine Senate race(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [8] ‘We can’t eat road salt’: Jackson rips Sen. Collins in first Maine Senate debate | CNN Politics(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [9] Collins and Jackson Clash in First Debate of Crucial Maine Senate ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [10] Collins and Jackson to Meet for Maine Senate Debate(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [11] Maine Senate candidates spar on key issues in first ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [12] Midterm Elections in Maine, October 2026(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [13] Sen. Collins, Troy Jackson clash on how to stop private ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [14] Maine's Senate race timeline: How Collins vs. Jackson ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [15] Troy Jackson is scrambling to defeat Maine Sen. Susan ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [16] CBS News poll finds voters split on state v. national focus in tied Maine Senate race(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [17] EqualityMaine endorses Democratic nominee Troy Jackson for US Senate(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [18] Susan Collins opens first lead over Troy Jackson in Maine ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [19] Troy Jackson Raises $5.3M in Maine Senate Race Against Susan Collins - Time News(opens in a new tab) Sep 20, 2026
- [20] Across The State, Mainers Are ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
- [21] Members of MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 endorse Troy Jackson ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2026
- [22] The Stated Record(opens in a new tab) Sep 3, 2026
- [23] Press Room - Maine Education Association(opens in a new tab) Aug 26, 2026
- [24] IAM Union's Maine State Council Unanimously Endorses ...(opens in a new tab) Jul 25, 2026
- [25] Troy Jackson gains momentum to replace Platner as ... - AP.org(opens in a new tab) Jul 19, 2026
- [26] Fight Trump and the Oligarchs: Join Our Revolution's Resistance(opens in a new tab) Jul 18, 2026
- [27] Maine Democrats aren’t coalescing behind a Graham Platner replacement(opens in a new tab) Jul 15, 2026
- [28] UAW Endorses Troy Jackson for US Senate(opens in a new tab) Jul 15, 2026
- [29] Troy's priorities in the Senate(opens in a new tab) Jul 12, 2026
- [30] Troy Jackson Sponsored the Law Providing Universal School Meals ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 2, 2026