Deer In The Headlights: Troy Jackson’s Platner Excuses Fall Flat As Maine Democrats Scramble

Appearing on MS NOW, progressive golden boy Troy Jackson froze like a deer in the headlights when host Katy Tur grilled him on why he stood by disgraced nominee Graham Platner for so long.

Tur unloaded a laundry list of Platner’s baggage, including a literal Nazi tattoo, racist Reddit posts, and a history of aggressive behavior toward women.

Jackson’s defense? He claimed he is an internet novice. “I’ve never been on Reddit,” the former Maine state Senate president whimpered, offering a pathetic excuse that Platner merely told him those bigoted scandals were from a “dark” time and arguing that “people can change.”

Katy Tur asks Troy Jackson why he supported Graham Platner even after he was exposed for having a Nazi tattoo, saying he would rape someone to show his "dominance," and his ex girlfriend came out claiming he abused her pic.twitter.com/954PPxh6TX

— DSA Watch (@DSA_Watch) July 9, 2026

Yet, despite carrying water for a toxic candidate, Jackson immediately threw his hat into the ring to replace him, quickly securing the backing of left-wing California Rep. Ro Khanna.

But Jackson is far from alone in this chaotic, fast-moving circus to take on incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The Democratic field has instantly mutated into a crowded, free-for-all.

Among the top contenders is Nirav Shah, the former Maine CDC director who gained a following during the pandemic. After losing a gubernatorial primary earlier this year, Shah is demanding a televised debate to keep the process transparent. He’s joined by Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who famously lost to Collins by over 30 points back in 2014, and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood.

Meanwhile, far-left activist Paige Loud is pitching herself as the “anti-imperialist, anti-billionaire” woman for the job. Rounding out the pack are Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, who wants to pivot the focus back to bashing Collins, and perennial candidate David Costello.

With only weeks for the party to pick its savior, Maine Democrats are handing Susan Collins an early Christmas present. If Jackson’s spineless television appearance is any indication of what’s to come, national Democrats should start kissing this Senate seat goodbye.