Troy Jackson Makes Health Care Center of Bid to Unseat Collins

Troy Jackson, the Democratic candidate for Maine's U.S. Senate seat, said health care would be his first priority in Washington if he defeats Sen. Susan Collins, WMTW reported on October 21.

Jackson entered the race with roughly three months to campaign after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation Platner denies. A fifth-generation logger from Aroostook County, Jackson served 20 years in the Legislature, including six years as Maine Senate president.

Collins is seeking a sixth term and chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, a post that has directed federal money to Maine. Jackson has tied Collins to President Donald Trump and argued the chairmanship has not been used to the state's benefit, according to WMTW.

He said he would work across party lines, citing his dealings with former Gov. Paul LePage. Jackson dismissed criticism over his son's lobbying work and denied a 2021 allegation that he threw a water bottle at a colleague.

On health policy, Jackson backs Medicare for All. "I haven't had a Canadian tell me that they don't like their healthcare system," he said.

This story was first reported by WMTW.