Troy Jackson secures Maine Democratic Senate nomination without referencing Israel or AIPAC

Jackson delivered multiple criticisms of Sen. Susan Collins the Republican he will oppose in the general election yet he avoided any discussion of Israel or AIPAC in his remarks.

Troy Jackson the expected Democratic nominee addressed Maine party delegates at their convention to choose a US Senate candidate replacing Graham Platner for the November ballot on July 25 2026 in Bangor Maine.

ByGRACE GILSON/JTA

JULY 26 2026 03:02

Troy Jackson received the Democratic nomination for Maine US Senate on Saturday and made no reference to Israel avoiding a subject that has drawn attention from many Maine Jewish voters evaluating the party's new candidate.

Jackson won the nomination by a wide margin of 566 to 5 votes from delegates at the convention. Saundra Pelletier the sole remaining opponent after others withdrew in the preceding days received the few votes not cast for Jackson.

Jackson directed several criticisms at Sen. Susan Collins the Republican incumbent during his acceptance speech but it was Pelletier who highlighted Collins voting record regarding Israel in her own comments.

Pelletier stated that Collins supported increased federal funding for defensive arms to Iran and declined to back moderate steps to hold Netanyahu accountable drawing applause from attendees.

Jackson victory followed the withdrawal of former Democratic nominee Graham Platner a vocal Israel critic who exited the race earlier this month after a sexual assault allegation that he has denied. The sudden change created new focus among Jewish Mainers on Jackson evolving positions regarding Israel.

Jackson a former state legislator and union supporter had said little about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over his twenty years in state office. In the contest to succeed Platner he adopted the word genocide for Israel's actions in Gaza and advocated ending US military assistance to Israel on his campaign site positions previously promoted by Platner. Jackson also stated he would reject any contributions from AIPAC.

Jackson speech focuses on Medicare unions and abortion rights while skipping Israel

On Saturday amid cheers from supporters wearing his campaign blue and yellow Troy Jackson shirts the nominee made no reference to Israel. He instead highlighted pledges to enact Medicare for all back union rights and restore nationwide abortion access along with other priorities.

In his speech after the strong win Jackson extended an invitation to undecided Maine voters.

Whether you backed me early on supported another contender or are still forming an opinion of this fifth-generation logger from Allagash Jackson said I have always understood that trust must be earned and I want you to hear directly from me that this campaign welcomes everyone. There is a role for you in this effort and I will work every day from now until November to earn that trust because today marks a new chapter.

Amy Fried professor emerita of political science at the University of Maine who attended as an alternate delegate but did not vote noted that Jackson had addressed Israel ahead of the event due to widespread interest yet his speech centered on longstanding career priorities.

Fried observed that he will need to address foreign policy and funding votes in the Senate but his core focus remains housing healthcare and everyday kitchen table concerns.

Although Jackson did not revisit his recent Israel positions that have concerned some Jewish voters in Maine roughly a dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the venue to back his run.

One protester declared through a megaphone that nominating Troy Jackson represents a positive step and that he will champion values aligned with support for the people of Palestine the children of Iran and others affected by US actions.

Jewish delegate expresses enthusiasm for Jackson campaign

Ronna Lugosch a 71-year-old Jewish grandmother and delegate from Round Pond Maine said she felt more enthusiastic about Jackson candidacy than before.

Lugosch who agrees with Jackson views on Israel had not noticed the omission of the topic. She suggested it might be a sensitive issue and that he chose caution to avoid overstepping.

Lugosch added that she was impressed by his remarks on working people and organizing efforts.

She stated she plans to campaign for him to defeat Susan Collins noting that her stance has shifted from defensive to fully supportive making outreach in the community more comfortable.