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Abortion rights group backs Jackson in Maine Senate race
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Reproductive Freedom for All backs Democrat Troy Jackson in Maine's Senate race.
The race is a must-win for Democrats seeking to retake the U.S. Senate.
Background
The Maine Senate race is a critical contest for Democrats as they aim to retake the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-45 majority. Jackson, a former Republican who previously opposed abortion and same-sex marriage, has evolved his positions and now has a 100% recent voting rating from the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund. He replaced Graham Platner, who dropped out in July amid sexual assault allegations.
How it unfolded
- early Jul 2026Graham Platner drops out of the Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegations; Troy Jackson is chosen to replace him.
- Aug 19, 2026Planned Parenthood targets Collins over abortion, noting Jackson's 100% recent voting rating but not yet offering a full endorsement.
- Aug 22, 2026Kamala Harris backs Troy Jackson in the Maine Senate race.
- Aug 25, 2026Planned Parenthood makes a big ad buy in the Maine Senate race, spending over half a million dollars.
- Aug 26, 2026Reproductive Freedom for All endorses Troy Jackson, one of the country's oldest pro-choice groups.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Reproductive Freedom for All backs Jackson, citing his support for reproductive rights.
- Caution
- Planned Parenthood has not yet offered a full-throated endorsement, despite Jackson's recent voting record.
- Critics
- Critics point out Jackson received a 100% pro-life rating as recently as 2013, questioning his commitment.
Still unverified
The allegations against Graham Platner are unverified and he has not been convicted.