Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has taken the first formal step toward a run for the U.S. Senate, filing paperwork Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission to create an exploratory committee.
The move comes as Democratic leaders look for a potential replacement for Graham Platner, who is facing pressure to leave the race following a rape allegation reported by Politico, which he has denied.
Jackson’s “testing the waters” committee allows him to raise money and gauge support before officially entering the race. The committee lists Peter Sarasohn of Victory First Consulting as treasurer. Jackson most recently lost the Democratic primary for governor to Hannah Pingree.
Jackson is one of several Democrats being discussed as a possible Senate candidate, along with Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, and former congressional candidate Jordan Wood. None of the others has filed an exploratory committee.
If Platner withdraws by Monday, Maine Democrats would have until July 27 to select a replacement nominee, with a party convention expected to determine the candidate.
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