Troy Jackson faces scrutiny over funding for academy employing son as lobbyist

Troy Jackson, the former president of the Maine Senate and current Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, is facing scrutiny over legislation that directed millions in taxpayer funds to an institution employing his son as a lobbyist.

In January 2024, Jackson cosponsored a bill that would have provided $13.4 million in additional funding to the Maine Maritime Academy between 2024 and 2025. The bill passed the Senate under Jackson’s leadership but did not become law. Previously, in July 2023, Jackson supported a budget bill providing an additional $2 million annually to the academy.

During this period, Jackson’s son, Chace Jackson, served as the academy’s registered legislative designee and lobbyist. Public records indicate Chace Jackson earned $182,500 in lobbying compensation while representing the academy. Notably, Chace Jackson also represented corporate clients through the Resurgam Group, a lobbying firm founded by a former chief of staff and current campaign adviser to Troy Jackson.

A longtime Maine legislative staffer suggested the arrangement departed from standard practice, noting that other state systems typically employ full-time staff for such roles rather than allowing individuals to act as outside lobbyists simultaneously.