Come for Heather Cox Richardson, stay for Troy Jackson | Letter

Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson.

I went to Portland to see Heather Cox Richardson in conversation with Troy Jackson. Really, I was there to see Richardson. Troy was the price I had to pay to see her.

I planned to vote for Troy because he is not Susan Collins. Knowing little about Aroostook County, I had not felt a strong allegiance to him. At first, Troy seemed slightly starstruck and stumbled a bit in the presence of Richardson. Who wouldn’t be starstruck? Thankfully, she is generous with whomever she shares the stage or microphone. He warmed quickly and found firm ground.

What I gleaned about Troy: He’s not shiny or sparkly. Good. I don’t like the shiny and sparkly politicians. Instead, Troy is a piece of beautiful hardwood with a warm patina. Once he loosened up, I found genuine Maine charm that comes from being a part of the community of Maine, a straight talker who speaks directly to issues of great concern to me: Medicaid and Medicare for all; affordable, quality childcare with childcare workers who earn a living wage, an education system that pays teachers and teaches students and an end to the war in Iran.

I came away from Portland forgetting that HCR had been there. I am now excited to vote Jackson for senator.

Lisa Eaton
Kennebunk

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Tagged: election 2026, featured letter, letter to the editor, senate 2026