# Maine Senate race: Jackson leads Collins amid controversies

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maine-2026-primary-elections
> Updated: 2026-09-02T21:37:02.000Z. Sources: 231. Developments: 54.

The 2026 Maine U.S. Senate race remains highly competitive as Democratic nominee Troy Jackson maintains a narrow lead over incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Jackson, a former state Senate President, has intensified efforts to secure women and reproductive rights advocates through the ‘Women for Troy’ coalition, which includes hundreds of women across 16 counties, and television advertisements featuring his mother, Colleen McBreairty.

Internal Democratic friction persists following the withdrawal of former nominee Graham Platner due to sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Platner, who has denied the allegations, faced additional scrutiny regarding reports of sexually explicit text messages and a tattoo featuring a Nazi symbol, which he claimed he did not realize was associated with Nazism. While Platner was originally scheduled to speak at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, organizers—including the progressive group Hancock County Activists—removed him from the speaking schedule due to safety concerns and excessive negative media attention. He is instead expected to lead a veterans’ march.

This controversy has contributed to a surge in write-in filings, with six individuals—Brent Andrews, Sigrid Ann Olson, Gina Oswald, Joseph Steinberger, Mike Turcotte, and Ashley Webb—having filed to run as write-in candidates. 

Republican opponents continue to attack Jackson, with the RNC labeling him a “Bernie Bro,” while Collins has used the Platner controversy to question Jackson’s temperament. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood’s political action committee has launched a $600,000 advertising campaign targeting Collins regarding her 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.

## Claims

- Graham Platner withdrew from the Senate race after sexual‑assault allegations and a Nazi‑tattoo controversy. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Troy Jackson is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Lana Pelletier is Troy Jackson’s second cousin. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Jackson and Pelletier are not legally married, and Maine does not recognize common‑law marriage. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Jackson and Pelletier have two children together. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The relationship may affect Jackson’s Senate financial disclosure requirements. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The nomination was decided at a convention in Bangor, Maine, on July 25, 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Jackson received 566 of 571 votes at the convention. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Jackson will face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November 2026 election. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Maine Senate race is seen as critical for Democrats to potentially gain control of the U.S. Senate. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Graham Platner removed from Labor Day rally speaking schedule

Former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner will no longer speak at a Labor Day rally in Maine due to safety concerns and media attention following sexual assault allegations.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-removed-from-labor-day-rally-speaking-schedule

### 2026-08-26: Maine Senate race: Troy Jackson targets women voters as write-ins file

Democratic candidate Troy Jackson is ramping up outreach to women voters in Maine, while six write-in candidates have filed to challenge both him and Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November election.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-troy-jackson-targets-women-voters-as-write-ins-file

### 2026-08-18: Planned Parenthood launches $600,000 ad campaign against Senator Susan Collins

Planned Parenthood has launched a $600,000 ad campaign against Maine Senator Susan Collins, focusing on her 2018 vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/planned-parenthood-launches-600000-ad-campaign-against-senator-susan-collins

### 2026-08-17: Graham Platner to make public appearance amid sexual assault allegations

Former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is returning to the public stage at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, amid ongoing sexual misconduct allegations and speculation of a write-in campaign.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-to-make-public-appearance-amid-sexual-assault-allegations

### 2026-08-16: Susan Collins targeted by Planned Parenthood ad campaign in Maine

Planned Parenthood has launched its largest state-level ad campaign to date targeting Maine Senator Susan Collins amid a highly competitive reelection race against Democrat Troy Jackson.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/susan-collins-targeted-by-planned-parenthood-ad-campaign-in-maine

### 2026-08-15: Troy Jackson named Maine Democratic Senate nominee

Maine Democrats have nominated former Senate President Troy Jackson to replace Graham Platner in the race against incumbent Senator Susan Collins.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troy-jackson-named-maine-democratic-senate-nominee

### 2026-08-13: Maine Senate race faces controversy over Graham Platner event

Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson faces backlash after activists announced a Labor Day event featuring former candidate Graham Platner, who recently dropped out following sexual assault allegations.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-sees-troy-jackson-named-replacement-nominee

### 2026-08-06: Troy Jackson leads Susan Collins in Maine Senate poll

Democratic nominee Troy Jackson holds a four-point lead over Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a new Maine Senate race poll, as the former logger's campaign gains momentum.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troy-jackson-leads-senator-susan-collins-in-maine-senate-poll

### 2026-07-31: Sen. Susan Collins Defends Record Amid Chuck Schumer Criticism

Sen. Susan Collins refutes Chuck Schumer’s claims she cut Medicaid and gave ICE a blank check, highlighting her Medicaid funding wins for Maine and ICE accountability measures that became law.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-defends-record-amid-chuck-schumer-criticism

### 2026-07-30: Maine Senate Candidate Troy Jackson Linked to Second Cousin Partner

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson, who replaced Graham Platner, is partnered with second‑cousin Lana Pelletier; they have two children, are not married, and the tie may affect his Senate financial‑de

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troy-jackson-secures-maine-democratic-senate-nomination-amid-controversy

### 2026-07-28: Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows faces eligibility decision on Troy Jackson's Senate candidacy

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows must rule on a challenge to Troy Jackson’s eligibility for the U.S. Senate seat after the original Democratic nominee withdrew, with Republican James White citing state‑a

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-secretary-of-state-shenna-bellows-faces-eligibility-decision-on-troy-jacksons-senate-candidacy

### 2026-07-28: Maine Senate Race: Gov. Mills Urges Defeat of Sen. Susan Collins

Gov. Janet Mills urges defeat of Sen. Susan Collins while declining to endorse Troy Jackson; a columnist later reversed a claim about Collins’ 2020 win margin, reflecting heightened focus on the Maine Senate c

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-gov-mills-urges-defeat-of-sen-susan-collins

### 2026-07-27: Troy Jackson Secures Democratic Nomination in Maine to Challenge Sen. Susan Collins

Troy Jackson won Maine’s Democratic Senate nomination after Graham Platner withdrew, beating Saundra Pelletier 566‑5. He now faces incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, whose campaign has reserved $60 M for ads and acc

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troy-jackson-secures-maine-democratic-nomination-to-face-senator-susan-collins

### 2026-07-27: Maine Candidates Highlight Fundraising Contrasts in Governor and Senate Races

Maine’s governor race sees Democrat Hannah Pingree rely on out‑of‑state donors while Republican Bobby Charles leans on small‑donor support; Democrat Troy Jackson raises $2 million from 30,000 donors in his bid,

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-candidates-highlight-fundraising-contrasts-in-governor-and-senate-races

### 2026-07-25: Troy Jackson Secures Democratic Nomination for Maine Senate Seat

Maine Democrats chose former Senate President Troy Jackson as their U.S. Senate nominee, replacing Graham Platner after his sexual‑assault allegation, setting up a key race against incumbent Republican Susan C​

90 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troy-jackson-secures-democratic-nomination-to-challenge-sen-susan-collins-in-maine

### 2026-07-23: Sen. Susan Collins faces ICE funding criticism amid Maine shooting controversy

A supporter lauds Sen. Susan Collins for personal aid and backs her reelection, while a Reuters report criticizes her ICE funding vote after a deadly ICE vehicle stop in Maine.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-faces-ice-funding-criticism-amid-maine-shooting-controversy

### 2026-07-21: Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson scrutinized over past water‑bottle incident

Maine Senate frontrunner Troy Jackson is under scrutiny for a five‑year‑old water‑bottle incident that frightened a female lawmaker; his campaign says the bottle missed anyone, and he has apologized.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-candidate-troy-jackson-scrutinized-over-past-waterbottle-incident

### 2026-07-20: Troy Jackson Secures Democratic Nomination for Maine U.S. Senate Seat

Troy Jackson has secured the majority of delegate support to become the Democratic nominee for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat, replacing withdrawn candidate Graham Platner and facing incumbent Susan Collins in a race

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troy-jackson-secures-democratic-nomination-for-maine-senate-seat

### 2026-07-18: Troy Jackson Secures Democratic Nomination to Challenge Susan Collins in Maine Senate Race

Troy Jackson has secured the bulk of Maine Democratic delegates, becoming the leading nominee to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew amid scandal.

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-democrats-select-delegates-for-senate-replacement-contest

### 2026-07-17: Sen. Susan Collins Faces Political Backlash Over Maine ICE Shooting

Sen. Susan Collins rejects Maine Governor’s call to abolish ICE after a fatal shooting, backs an independent review, and faces political pressure over her ICE funding votes ahead of her reelection.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-faces-political-backlash-over-maine-ice-shooting

### 2026-07-17: U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree probes ICE hiring after Maine shooting

Rep. Chellie Pingree asked DHS for details on ICE hiring and background checks after an ICE officer killed a man in Biddeford, Maine, seeking information on training, vetting and policy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-rep-chellie-pingree-probes-ice-hiring-after-maine-shooting

### 2026-07-15: Maine Democrats Seek New Senate Nominee After Graham Platner Withdrawal

After Graham Platner quit amid assault allegations, Maine Democrats held a debate among eight candidates and will pick a new Senate nominee at a 601‑delegate convention on July 25.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-democratic-senate-debate-will-feature-eight-candidates

### 2026-07-15: Sen. Susan Collins Faces Political Fallout After ICE Shooting in Maine

An ICE shooting in Biddeford, Maine, killing a Colombian migrant, has heightened political pressure on Sen. Susan Collins ahead of her 2026 re‑election bid, prompting calls for investigation and criticism from

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ice-shooting-in-maine-raises-stakes-for-senator-susan-collins-2026-reelection

### 2026-07-13: Maine Democrats scramble to replace withdrawn Senate nominee Graham Platner

Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race after assault claim; Democrats must pick a new nominee by July 27, holding a July 25 convention with 600 delegates amid a steep funding gap.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-former-health-director-nirav-shah-meets-signature-threshold-for-democratic-senate-race

### 2026-07-11: Maine Democrats scramble to replace Graham Platner in Senate race

Graham Platner quits amid assault allegations, prompting Maine Democrats to hold a July 25 convention to pick a replacement (Shah, Jackson, Bellows, etc.) as polls now favor Democrats over Sen. Susan Collins.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-democrats-outline-process-to-replace-graham-platner

### 2026-07-10: Sen. Susan Collins' bipartisan record highlighted amid partisan attacks

Sen. Susan Collins is the Senate’s most bipartisan Republican, with low party alignment and an impeachment vote, while facing inaccurate extremist accusations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-bipartisan-record-highlighted-amid-partisan-attacks

### 2026-06-29: Maine Senate race tight as Graham Platner pulls ahead of Susan Collins in latest polls

Polls put Democrat Graham Platner narrowly ahead of incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in Maine (49 %‑47 %), with both candidates facing personal and policy challenges.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-holds-narrow-lead-over-susan-collins-in-maine-senate-poll

### 2026-06-29: New York Times and Press Herald release joint poll on Maine Senate race

The New York Times, Portland Press Herald and Siena Research Institute released a joint poll of over 600 Maine voters, showing a tight 2026 Senate race that could affect Senate balance; the poll, funded by the

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-times-and-press-herald-release-joint-poll-on-maine-senate-race

### 2026-06-28: Sen. Susan Collins seeks Iran deal safeguards and celebrates Maine museum opening

Sen. Susan Collins called for safeguards on a $300 billion Iran fund and attended the opening of Maine’s new MILL museum, citing federal funding she secured.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-seeks-iran-deal-safeguards-and-celebrates-maine-museum-opening

### 2026-06-26: Sen. Susan Collins Boosts Maine Defense Shipbuilding

Sen. Susan Collins has steered extra defense funds to Maine’s Bath Iron Works, adding a destroyer order, earmarked projects, and wage boosts, while facing a 2026 re‑election challenge.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-susan-collins-praised-for-record-vote-count-and-balanced-energy-stance

### 2026-06-25: Maine primary turnout surges with ranked‑choice voting and open primaries

Maine’s June 9 primary, the first with open primaries and ranked‑choice voting, saw a 40.8 % turnout rise, aided by expanded absentee voting for seniors and the disabled.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-primary-turnout-surges-with-rankedchoice-voting-and-open-primaries

### 2026-06-23: Graham Platner’s Senate Campaign Gains Planned Parenthood Endorsement Amid Controversies

Democratic candidate Graham Platner, amid past controversies, earned Planned Parenthood’s endorsement and vows to protect reproductive rights while challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate run

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-collins-faces-democratic-challenger-graham-platner-amid-planned-parenthood-endorse

### 2026-06-21: Maine Senate race: incumbent Susan Collins vs. controversial Democrat Graham Platner

Incumbent Sen. Susan Collins faces Democrat Graham Platner, a scandal‑tainted veteran, in Maine. Democrats target Collins’s Kavanaugh vote on abortion; Collins defends her record and Israel support; GOP ramps‑

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-heats-up-as-collins-campaign-rallies-gop-attacks-democratic-challenger

### 2026-06-19: Jonathan Bush and Angus King III knocked out in Maine governor primary

In Maine’s ranked‑choice gubernatorial primary, Republican Jonathan Bush and Democrat Angus King III were eliminated, setting a general election between Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-primaries-topple-political-dynasties-and-spark-senate-race-feud

### 2026-06-19: Matt Dunlap Wins Maine Democratic Primary Runoff

Matt Dunlap won Maine’s 2nd Congressional District Democratic runoff with 35,924 votes, defeating Joe Baldacci and advancing to face former Gov. Paul LePage in the November general election for a seat that may

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matt-dunlap-wins-maine-democratic-primary-runoff

### 2026-06-17: Maine officials count ranked‑choice primary ballots amid public waiting

Maine’s June 9 primary required ranked‑choice runoffs, leading officials to hand‑count ballots publicly in Augusta, a process that remained unfinished by June 18, drawing criticism from candidates.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-officials-count-rankedchoice-primary-ballots-amid-public-waiting

### 2026-06-17: Maine Governor Primary: Pingree and Charles Win; Dunlap Takes House Nomination

Democrat Hannah Pingree and Republican Bobby Charles won Maine’s governor primaries after a ranked‑choice runoff; Democrat Matt Dunlap secured the 2nd District House nomination to face ex‑Gov. Paul LePage.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-governor-primary-pingree-and-charles-win-dunlap-takes-house-nomination

### 2026-06-16: Maine Senate race pits incumbent Susan Collins against Democratic nominee Graham Platner

Polls show Democratic nominee Graham Platner narrowly ahead of incumbent Susan Collins in Maine, amid Platner’s scandals, a divided Democratic response, Trump attacks, and Collins defending her seat in a key U

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-takes-narrow-lead-over-susan-collins-in-maine-senate-poll

### 2026-06-13: Democratic challenger Graham Platner faces veteran Sen. Susan Collins in Maine Senate race

Democratic nominee Graham Platner, a veteran oyster farmer, challenges six‑term Republican Susan Collins in Maine; betting markets give Platner a 32‑point edge, while analysts call the race a toss‑up.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-challenger-graham-platner-faces-veteran-sen-susan-collins-in-maine-senate-race

### 2026-06-11: Maine governor primary moves to ranked‑choice count after no candidate hits 50%

Maine’s Democratic governor primary entered ranked‑choice tabulation after no candidate topped 50%; Nirav Shah leads with 26.8% of first‑choice votes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-governor-primary-moves-to-rankedchoice-count-after-no-candidate-hits-50

### 2026-06-10: Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Faces Allegations Amid Primary Win

Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary but faces multiple abuse and Nazi‑tattoo allegations, sparking calls for his removal and highlighting a fundraising gap with Republican incumbent Susan Colli

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-senate-race-sees-billionaire-backing-for-susan-collins-as-democrats-push-to-oust-graham-platne

### 2026-06-10: Trump Endorses Maine Senator Susan Collins for Reelection Amid Tight Senate Race

Donald Trump endorsed Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins for a sixth term, calling her “sane,” as she battles controversial Democrat Graham Platell in a pivotal Senate race that could sway U.S. Senate control.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-endorses-maine-senator-susan-collins-for-reelection-amid-tight-senate-race

### 2026-06-10: Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary Amid Controversy

Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary; the race, seen as crucial for Senate control, is marred by allegations of misconduct and a Nazi‑tattoo controversy, while Mass GOP rebukes Gov. Maura Healey

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-wins-maine-democratic-senate-primary-amid-controversy

### 2026-06-10: Sen. Susan Collins' Re‑election Campaign Fueled by Billionaire Donations

Billionaires have donated $9.8 M to Sen. Susan Collins’ campaign via a super PAC as she seeks a sixth term in Maine against Democrat Graham Platner; her cautious stance toward Trump is seen as key in a Senate‑t

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-reelection-campaign-fueled-by-billionaire-donations

### 2026-06-10: Sen. Susan Collins' Maine Senate bid hinges on her relationship with Donald Trump

Sen. Susan Collins seeks a sixth term in Maine, balancing a Trump‑critical stance while facing Democrat‑backed challenger Graham Platner as both parties vie for a pivotal Senate seat.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sen-susan-collins-maine-senate-bid-hinges-on-her-relationship-with-donald-trump

### 2026-06-10: Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary, Faces Susan Collins

Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary, setting a showdown with incumbent Republican Susan Collins, who also secured her party’s nomination.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-wins-maine-democratic-senate-primary-faces-susan-collins

### 2026-06-10: Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary Amid Controversies

Graham Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer, won Maine's Democratic Senate primary with over 70% of the vote, but his campaign faces backlash over past sexist comments, alleged threats, a Nazi‑symbol tat,

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-wins-maine-democratic-senate-primary-amid-controversies

### 2026-06-10: Maine Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Moves to Ranked‑Choice Runoff

Maine's Democratic governor primary, led by Nirav Shah, heads to a ranked‑choice runoff after no candidate won a majority; the Secretary of State will tabulate results next week.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-democratic-gubernatorial-primary-moves-to-ranked-choice-runoff

### 2026-06-10: Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary Amid Tattoo and Sexting Controversies

Graham Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer, won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary with about 75% of the vote despite scandals over a Nazi‑style tattoo, sexting and past abusive allegations. He will face

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-wins-maine-democratic-senate-primary

### 2026-06-09: Maine primary turnout surge gives Democrats edge in Senate and governor races

Maine’s primary records record turnout, with independents favoring Democrats 3‑to‑1, bolstering Democratic gubernatorial and Senate races.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-primary-turnout-surge-gives-democrats-edge-in-senate-and-governor-races

### 2026-06-09: Graham Platner Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary

Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary with ~70% of the vote, despite scandals, and will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race key to Senate control.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platner-wins-maine-democratic-senate-primary-set-to-face-susan-collins

### 2026-06-08: Maine primaries on Tuesday decide U.S. Senate, congressional and governor races

Maine votes Tuesday in primaries for U.S. Senate, both congressional seats and governor, with over 56,000 absentee ballots already cast and several races headed for ranked‑choice runoffs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-primaries-on-tuesday-decide-us-senate-congressional-and-governor-races

### 2026-06-08: Graham Platton Wins Maine Democratic Senate Primary Amid Controversy

Graham Platton won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary with about 75% of the vote, securing the chance to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins; his campaign faces scrutiny over a Nazi‑linked tattoo,

43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/graham-platton-secures-maine-democratic-senate-nomination-set-to-challenge-susan-collins

### 2026-06-07: Maine Senate Primary Draws National Attention as Susan Collins Faces Graham Platner

Maine’s Senate primary pits incumbent Susan Collins against controversial Democrat Graham Platner, a toss‑up that could affect Senate control amid debates over candidate standards.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maine-democrats-consider-winnertakeall-electoral-vote-shift-ahead-of-primary

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Cite as: Maine Senate race: Jackson leads Collins amid controversies. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maine-2026-primary-elections