dailynewsnblog
SANFORD, Maine — Former state Senate President Troy Jackson is racking up support to become Maine’s next Democratic Senate nominee, with one of his top opponents ending her campaign on Sunday.
Subscribe to read this story ad-free
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
“Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy are only accelerating, and the best way that I can serve our state and country at this moment is by focusing exclusively on my role as Secretary of State,” Bellows said in a statement.
York County Democratic Party Chairwoman Kathie Purdy announced the news just as Democrats gathered at a performing arts center began casting ballots for delegates to next week’s state convention, eliciting gasps from the crowd.
Democratic delegates at next week’s convention will select a new nominee to take on GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after primary winner Graham Platner abruptly ended his campaign last week after an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied.
Bellows did not mention Jackson in her statement, but his slate of delegates captured nearly all of the slots up for grabs in Saturday’s county meetings. Those delegates are not required to support a Jackson at the convention, even if they were elected as part of his sate.
Jackson expressed confidence on Sunday morning after rallying his supporters outside the York county meeting.
“If we have a day like [Saturday], the rest of the candidates will drop out and we’ll just be getting the nomination next week,” Jackson told reporters, noting he had heard from a couple candidates who expressed their “congratulations.” He said they “pretty much” suggested they would end their campaigns before the convention, but declined to say who he spoke with.
Physician Nirav Shah, a former Maine public health official, is another top contender. Asked about Jackson’s comments, a campaign spokesperson wrote in a text message that the campaign would have more to say later.
Shah, Bellows and Jackson all competed in last months’ gubernatorial primary but fell short of winning the nomination. They were able to quickly spin up their old campaigns, and Jackson has stressed that his team focused on organizing his slate of delegates ahead of county meetings this weekend.
But Jackson could still face competition at the convention. Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer who is running for Senate, told NBC News at the York County meeting that he plans to stay in the race. He raised concerns about Jackson’s vocal support for Platner, suggesting Republicans could use those ties against Jackson if he is the nominee.
