SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — On a Monday night, Troy Jackson attracted approximately 250 attendees to a converted church to discuss healthcare and labor issues in Maine. This turnout contrasts with earlier rallies held by Graham Platner, Jackson's predecessor as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, who sometimes drew over 1,000 participants. Jackson, who shares personal stories from his logging background, faces challenges with the venue's acoustics but receives a positive response from the audience. "They try and make us feel powerless. But when we come together we do have power," Jackson stated, eliciting cheers from attendees.
Jackson's campaign against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins is considered challenging due to the limited time he has to connect with voters. He became the Democratic nominee with just over 100 days remaining after Platner withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation. Some voters, like 70-year-old Debbe Kelley from Windham, expressed support for Jackson's straightforward approach, suggesting that many are ready for Collins, who has held office since 1996, to step down.
Democrats view this race as critical for Senate control, with Jackson needing to overcome a five-term incumbent who enjoys strong backing from the national Republican Party and has a significant fundraising advantage. Collins has raised millions more than Jackson, who has been actively campaigning since his nomination in July, visiting various venues across the state.
The first of four scheduled debates between Jackson and Collins is set for Tuesday. Jackson has been hosting town hall-style events, a format Collins typically avoids. By mid-September, Jackson had conducted four such events and encouraged Collins to participate, which she declined.
Jackson's campaign has been busy, with nearly 50 events held between August 1 and mid-September, including meetings in bars, churches, and community gatherings. Collins, while regularly attending public events, does not typically engage in public Q&A forums, a point Jackson has criticized, suggesting it indicates she is out of touch with constituents.
This weekend, independent Sen. Bernie Sanders is expected to join Jackson for three rallies aimed at boosting voter turnout. Political analysts note that Collins' longstanding presence in Maine politics creates a challenging environment for Jackson, who must leverage voter dissatisfaction with the Republican Party to gain traction.
Jackson's campaign team consists of about 40 employees and numerous volunteers, with some transitioning from other Democratic campaigns. His platform includes progressive issues such as public healthcare expansion and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Winning over supporters of Platner is essential for Jackson's campaign. Some attendees at his rallies have expressed their support for him, emphasizing his authenticity and commitment to working-class issues. Jackson's fundraising efforts have been hampered by time constraints, with his campaign reporting $7 million in contributions since his nomination, while Collins had raised over $18 million by the end of June. The disparity in fundraising could limit Jackson's ability to reach voters as Election Day approaches.