Troy Jackson is racing against time in his bid to unseat Susan Collins. The Democrat became the party’s nominee for Maine’s Senate seat with just over 100 days to go, after his predecessor dropped out amid an allegation of sexual assault. That deadline has shaped every move since.
Jackson held a Monday night rally in a converted church in Lewiston, drawing about 250 people. He spoke about healthcare and labor, telling the crowd, “They try and make us feel powerless. But when we come together we do have power.” The audience cheered.
Jackson’s Road to the Nomination
Jackson became the Democratic nominee when the party held an emergency convention in July. His predecessor, Graham Platner, sometimes drew more than 1,000 people to his rallies. Jackson’s own numbers have not reached those heights yet.
Since July, Jackson has been barnstorming the state. He has hit union halls, churches, bars and anywhere else he can hold a rally or a speech. By mid-September, he had held four town hall-style events. His campaign says he has held nearly 50 events between Aug. 1 and mid-September.
On Labor Day weekend, he traveled more than 850 miles. Stops included Democratic office openings, a tailgate at a University of Maine football game and a town hall in Biddeford.
The Schedule Problem
Jackson’s campaign consists of about 40 employees and hundreds of volunteers. Some came from other Democratic campaigns; few came over from Platner’s. The pace has been relentless, but the clock is not on his side.
Jackson’s predecessor, Graham Platner, drew bigger crowds. Jackson is trying to match that energy with a tighter window. The comparison is simple: Platner had months to build momentum; Jackson has weeks.
Collins’ Advantage
Sen. Susan Collins, 73, is a five-term incumbent first elected in 1996. She holds a fundraising lead of millions of dollars over Jackson, a former state lawmaker whom Collins says is too liberal for Maine.
Collins regularly attends public events and meets with constituents in smaller groups. She does not typically hold public question-and-answer style forums. Jackson has encouraged her to join his town halls, which she has declined.
Blake Kernen, a spokesperson for Collins, offered a blunt assessment. “This short campaign is the best thing Troy has going for him,” he said. “The more Mainers learn about his work in Augusta, the less impressed they’ll be.”
The Ground Game
Debbe Kelley, 70, of Windham, summed up the contrast in blunt terms. “She’s just not a fighter for Maine,” Kelley said, referring to Collins. “Troy is.”
Jackson’s approach depends on grassroots energy. Collins runs a professional operation with deep institutional memory.
| Candidate | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| Troy Jackson | Became nominee in July after emergency convention; nearly 50 events between Aug. 1 and mid-September |
| Susan Collins | Five-term incumbent first elected in 1996; fundraising lead of millions |
The Debate Test
Jackson and Collins are set to face off in the first of four debates this month on Tuesday.
Sanders in Town
This weekend, Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, a progressive champion, will join Jackson in Maine for three get-out-the-vote rallies. The visit adds star power to Jackson’s schedule.
Brewer’s View
Mark Brewer, a political scientist with the University of Maine, said Jackson’s organization is still likely not fully formed compared to Collins’.
What Comes Next
Jackson’s path to November is defined by two forces pulling in opposite directions. The first is his own schedule, which demands constant motion. The second is the clock, which is running faster than any candidate would choose.
The race is on.
Where the paper stands
The paper backs neither Jackson nor Collins and instead supports candidates who champion individual freedom, small business, and the prevention of power concentrations, regardless of party. Jackson’s barnstorming tour and Collins’ professional operation each show different approaches to power, and the paper’s north star points toward neither.
Jackson’s schedule problem is real. He became the nominee through an emergency convention and has held nearly 50 events since August, but he has weeks, not months, to build momentum. That is a constraint, not a strength.
Collins holds a fundraising lead measured in millions and runs a professional operation with deep institutional memory. Her refusal to join Jackson’s town halls speaks for itself.
Source material: “Troy Jackson is racing against time in his bid to unseat Susan Collins,” PBS.
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