Democrats select Troy Jackson to replace disgraced Graham Platner for Maine Senate race despite fears 'hot-headed' candidate could cause more trouble

Published: 19:45, 25 July 2026 | Updated: 19:56, 25 July 2026 Former state lawmaker and logger Troy Jackson has secured the Democratic nomination for US Senate in Maine after the party was left scrambling for a replacement following Graham Platner's withdrawal after a sexual assault allegation.  Delegates convened on Saturday for a special election. Jackson quickly steamed ahead as the most popular replacement after he gained national attention during his gubernatorial run, where he became a favorite among progressives.  Jackson secured 566 of the 571 delegates who cast their votes. Despite his support, the newly minted nominee is already facing negative headlines and allegations for being 'hot-headed.'  Earlier this week, sources spoke to CNN and the Washington Post, detailing a series of outbursts from Jackson, including one incident in which he was accused of throwing a water bottle during a meeting.  Former colleagues of Jackson's during his tenure as the Maine Senate leader described his leadership style as 'very aggressive.'  'It's one thing to be screaming when you're just mad about the world or sad about the world. But his screaming felt like intentional intimidation. So you would feel like, then, what else is he going to do?' one anonymous source told the Washington Post.  Multiple sources recounted an infamous 'water bottle incident' where Jackson became irate, banged on the table and cursed at lawmakers over gun control policy.  Then-House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross reportedly kicked him out of her office after the outburst.  Troy Jackson spoke to delegates during a last-minute vote on Saturday to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic candidate in the Maine Senate race  Jackson rose to national prominence after his gubernatorial run. He campaigned alongside Senator Bernie Sanders and Platner  Jackson easily secured the last-minute nomination after a delegate vote on Saturday. Delegates are pictured above cheering as he was formally announced as the nominee  'When the people in power refuse to listen, you have to organize, you have to stand in solidarity, together. And you have to make them listen,' Jackson said during a speech at the last-minute nominating convention.