The Bangor Daily News was the first to report this story. What you’re reading here would likely not be made public without the efforts of professional journalists asking questions, interviewing sources and obtaining documents.
AUGUSTA, Maine — Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson filed with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to form a U.S. Senate exploratory committee, becoming the first Democrat to formally campaign for the spot Graham Platner appears likely to vacate.
The filing comes as a “Draft Troy” effort gained momentum among Jackson allies Tuesday morning, and as Platner faces near-total abandonment by Democrats following a rape allegation from a former partner first reported by Politico. Jackson told the Bangor Daily News on Monday night that he is interested in the seat.
The Troy Jackson Senate Exploratory Committee registered with the FEC as a “testing the waters” committee, according to the filing. That designation allows Jackson to begin raising money to gauge support for a run without formally declaring his candidacy.
The committee lists Peter Sarasohn of Victory First Consulting as treasurer, with a Wells Fargo account based in Washington, D.C. Jackson lost last month’s Democratic primary for governor to Hannah Pingree.
Jackson spokesperson Christine Kirby did not respond to a request for comment on the filing. Democratic strategist BJ McCollister, a longtime adviser to Jackson who promoted the “Draft Troy” effort Tuesday, argued on Monday that Platner’s continued presence in the race is costing the party an opportunity to flip the seat.
Jackson is one of three former gubernatorial candidates most discussed as potential Platner replacements, along with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former public health chief Nirav Shah. Neither Bellows nor Shah has taken a step comparable to Jackson’s filing. Other candidates are exploring races, including former 2nd Congressional District candidate Jordan Wood.
All three carry some degree of political exposure tied to Platner. Jackson and Bellows ran in a ranked-choice voting alliance blessed by Platner during the primary, and Shah endorsed Platner’s Senate bid after Gov. Janet Mills left the race.
The Maine Democratic Party is preparing a process to replace Platner on the ballot, with a nominating convention under discussion, according to two people familiar with the deliberations. No formal communication has gone out yet to the full state committee.
Platner has until Monday to decide whether to withdraw from the race. If he does, Democrats would have until July 27 to name a replacement nominee.