High-profile Democrats continue to support Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson amid reports regarding his personal life, including claims that he fathered children with his cousin. Former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile commented on the situation, stating she does not want to engage with what she termed 'salacious gossip.' Jackson's nomination follows the withdrawal of former candidate Graham Platner, who exited the race due to various controversies, including a rape allegation.
Reports have surfaced regarding a 1988 police report accusing Jackson of assault. Brazile expressed uncertainty about Jackson, stating, 'I wish him the best of luck' and noted the competitive nature of the upcoming race against incumbent Senator Susan Collins, a Republican.
Independent journalist Steven Robinson reported that Jackson shares two children with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier, and provided genealogical evidence supporting this claim. Jackson acknowledged past responsibility for a fight related to Pelletier but did not directly deny the familial relationship in previous statements. Pelletier, however, contested the accuracy of statements attributed to her in the police report, asserting that they do not reflect her memory of the events.
Jackson's campaign accused Collins' team of orchestrating personal attacks to undermine his candidacy, while Collins has maintained her position in the Senate since 1997. Jackson's campaign has not responded to recent requests for comment.