Former state lawmaker and logger Troy Jackson has been selected as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race in Maine. He will compete against longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the upcoming November election. The outcome of this race could significantly influence which party holds control of the Senate.

Jackson replaces Graham Platner, who previously won the Democratic primary in June but withdrew due to an allegation of sexual assault. Platner has denied these accusations. The Maine Democratic Party convened to choose a new nominee, ultimately rallying around Jackson. As a former Maine Senate president and a fifth-generation logger from rural northern Maine, Jackson was a favored candidate among progressive members of the party.

“When the people in power refuse to listen, you have to organize, you have to stand in solidarity, together. And you have to make them listen,” Jackson declared in a speech at the nominating convention.

Maine Democrats gathered in Bangor for the nominating convention where Jackson’s selection was confirmed. The process involved hundreds of delegates who had been chosen at county party meetings. Having campaigned for progressive causes such as Medicare for All and opposing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jackson emerged as the clear choice, securing 566 out of 571 delegate votes.

Jackson initially ran for office as a Republican but later joined the Democratic Party in 2004. He has held the position of Maine Senate president and previously ran for governor. Although he did not win the gubernatorial primary, he was supported by prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and groups including Our Revolution.

The Senate race in Maine is pivotal for the Democratic Party’s efforts to reclaim control of the Senate. Besides securing a win in Maine, Democrats need victories in competitive states such as North Carolina, Alaska, and Ohio. They must also maintain their current seats, including those in Michigan and Minnesota where Democratic incumbents are retiring.

Jackson’s progressive stances have attracted support but also criticism. Republicans, including Collins, have labeled him as too extreme for Maine voters and linked him to socialism due to his past involvement in Sanders’ presidential campaign. Nonetheless, Jackson aims to appeal to independent voters and bridge the funding gap against Collins, who has raised over $16 million for her campaign. Jackson’s campaign has managed to raise over $1 million since his entry into the Senate race.

Reflecting on his campaign’s approach, Jackson stated, “We’re not from the left, we’re not from the right. We’re from the bottom, and we are rising.”