Topline
Former state Senate president Troy Jackson was picked as Maine’s Democratic nominee Saturday morning, replacing former nominee Graham Platner who faced a series of controversial allegations including sexual assault, toxic relationships and disturbing behavior.
Key Facts
The Maine Democratic Party voted in Jackson as its nominee, setting up a battle with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in November that could decide whether Democrats gain control of the Senate.
Jackson will have just over 100 days to build his campaign while Collins will likely benefit from Platner’s fall and her status as a five-term incumbent.
“Today we turn the page,” Jackson said during his acceptance speech, adding, “We are not from the left. We are not from the right. We’re from the bottom, and we are rising.”
Jackson received votes from 566 delegates while another candidate, Evofem Biosciences CEO Saundra Pelletier, received five votes.
Tangent
During Friday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, President Donald Trump said, “I think Platner might’ve done surprisingly well because we’re in the age of Trump.” The president also said Platner “didn’t defend himself well.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.