Troy Jackson wins Maine Democratic Senate nomination, omits mention of Israel, AIPAC

Troy Jackson won the Maine Democratic Senate nomination on July 25, 2026, with a landslide delegate vote. In his acceptance speech, he avoided mentioning Israel or AIPAC, despite recent statements calling Israel's Gaza war a 'genocide' and opposing US military aid. Jackson focused on Medicare, union rights, and abortion. His opponent, Sen. Susan Collins, was criticized by rival Saundra Pelletier over Israel policy.

Troy Jackson accepted the Democratic nomination for Maine's US Senate race on July 25, 2026, with a landslide 566-5 delegate vote. In his acceptance address, Jackson omitted any mention of Israel or AIPAC, sidestepping an issue that has become a focal point for Maine Jews. This came after Jackson recently embraced the term 'genocide' to describe Israel's war in Gaza and called for an end to US military aid to Israel on his campaign website. He also said he would not accept AIPAC funding. Instead, Jackson emphasized his commitments to Medicare for all, union rights, and restoring abortion rights. His opponent, incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, was criticized by Jackson's former rival Saundra Pelletier over her voting record on Israel. The nomination was opened after former nominee Graham Platner, a staunch Israel critic, left the race amid a sexual assault allegation. Jewish delegate Ronna Lugosch expressed support for Jackson, while about a dozen pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside. The article notes Jackson's evolution on Israel and the scrutiny from Jewish voters.