Democratic Senators Defend Maine Senate Nominee Jackson Despite Family Relationship Report

Senate Democrats are standing firmly behind Troy Jackson, the Maine Democratic nominee who replaced Graham Platner on the ballot, even as a new report alleges he fathered two children with his second cousin. The allegation marks another turbulent chapter in the race to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has held the Maine seat since 1997.

Jackson secured 94% of 601 delegate votes this summer to replace Platner, who withdrew from the race following sexual misconduct allegations that ultimately forced his Democratic backers to abandon him. Maine Wire editor Steven Robinson reported last week that Jackson shares two children with second cousin Lana Pelletier, whose father is a cousin of Jackson’s mother.

When asked about the report, most Democratic senators either denied knowledge of it or declined to engage with the allegations directly. Maryland senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen both said they were unfamiliar with the claims while emphasizing the importance of electing Democrats nationally.

Jackson’s campaign dismissed the report as an attack originating from the Collins campaign, stating in a previous statement that Collins “will do anything to distract from the fact that she votes with Trump 96% of the time.” The campaign has not responded to requests for additional comment on the reporting.

Democratic senators framed their support for Jackson as part of a broader strategy to reclaim Senate control and counter Republican policies. Alsobrooks pledged to support “whoever the nominee, in every single state, the Democratic nominee” to help Democrats take back the Senate and House and address cost-of-living concerns.