Democratic officials in Maine are converging on former Senate president Troy Jackson as the party’s probable nominee for the United States Senate seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins, who was first elected in 1996. The decision is expected to be formalised at county nominating meetings on Saturday, 25 July.
Jackson, who grew up in Aroostook County, presents himself as a “logger” from the North Woods. His campaign website stresses his modest origins, stating: “Troy Jackson grew up in Aroostook County, a poor kid in a town full of poor kids.” Yet federal and state disclosure records reveal a parallel career as a temporary political operative for a Boston‑based labour union.
Union earnings
Since 2017 Jackson has worked intermittently for District Council 35 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL‑CIO. Over the past decade he has been paid a total of $96,851, broken down as follows:
- 2025 – $21,820
- 2023 – $21,237
- 2021 – $19,720
- 2017 – $32,074
In addition, he received $42,526 in 2019 from Machinists District Lodge 4 in Lisbon Falls, Maine.
The painters council’s newsletter notes that Jackson joined the union while employed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, more than 300 miles south of his native Aroostook County.
Political résumé
Jackson served as president of the Maine Senate from 2018 to 2024, after two spells as a state senator (2008‑2014 and 2016‑2024). Earlier this year he contested the Democratic primary for governor but was defeated.
He is being positioned as a late‑stage replacement for Graham Platner, who withdrew after rape allegations and accusations that he was a “phony”.
Policy positions and personal background
Jackson’s public statements place him on the hard‑left of the spectrum. In a July 10 social‑media post he condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza and pledged not to support U.S. taxpayer‑funded aid to Israel. His campaign website lists the abolition of ICE and higher taxes on billionaires and large corporations as top priorities.
Household income also includes earnings from his long‑time partner, Lana Pelletier, a licensed clinical social worker.
Should he secure the Democratic nomination, Jackson will face Susan Collins in the November election.