Troy Jackson tries to tap town hall magic that propelled Graham Platner’s Senate bid

Troy Jackson holds first Lewiston town hall, faces questions about “our movement”

LEWISTON — On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Maine’s newest U.S. Senate hopeful, Troy Jackson, opened the first stop of his “Solidarity Forever” campaign tour at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The event drew roughly 300 attendees, half the crowd that former Senate candidate Graham Platner had attracted last October at a similar venue.

Jackson’s rally, part of a series of town halls that will take him to Gorham on Thursday and Jay on Saturday, was designed to energize voters and tap into the momentum that Platner’s grassroots tour had built for the now‑defunct Progressive movement. It also came at a critical moment as Jackson faces a tight race against five‑term Republican incumbent Susan Collins, a contest that could shape the balance of the U.S. Senate.

The “our movement” question

The night’s most memorable moment came when 36‑year‑old Auburn voter Tori Leigh stepped up to the microphone. “I notice that you keep referring to ‘our movement’ that we built,” she said. “Honestly, it feels disingenuous because the movement that was building was built by someone else. Why should frustrated Mainers like me trust you as the person to take over leadership of that?” A hush fell over the audience as Jackson paused.

Jackson answered, “You are right. I didn’t build this movement. I’ve been saying that all along. This isn’t about Troy Jackson. But I don’t even think this is about Graham. I think it’s about people across this state that know there’s something fundamentally wrong with the way things are going.” Leigh later said she appreciated the response, calling it “genuine and humble.”

A crowd that pales in comparison

During his speaking slot, Jackson stood behind a lectern, delivering his opening remarks and calling for the elimination of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His remarks drew a standing ovation, but the overall enthusiasm seemed muted compared to the roar that Platner generated in the past. Platner’s 2025 campaign, which featured more than 80 town halls across Maine, was noted for its ability to galvanize volunteers and energize supporters with broad‑faced attacks on the political establishment.

In Lewiston, Jackson’s audience included former Platner supporter Cameron Samuelson, 40, who said she had gone to Platner’s event “eager and optimistic” and that she had come to Jackson’s town hall “wary but hopeful.” She added, “Honestly, I was worried it would be even flatter. I still feel nervous. I feel like there’s work left to do.” After the event, however, she reported a more upbeat impression, stating, “No.”

Mixed reactions from the crowd

The turnout at the Lewiston event was about 300, a number that surprised many. For comparison, Platner’s last October town hall in the same building drew an audience that filled the main hall and overflow basement space. “A lot of people came for Platner,” said one observer, noting that the crowds that flocked to Platner’s shows were more energetic and engaged.

Among those present were voters who felt that Jackson’s approach differed from Platner’s. 20‑year‑old Lewiston resident Micah, who was an unenrolled voter, told reporters that he was disappointed that Jackson did not discuss Israel’s military campaign in Gaza—a topic Platner routinely labeled “genocide” and that he had defended strongly. “I believe (Jackson’s) rhetoric needs to be stronger for his campaign to be stronger,” Micah said.

Others were less concerned with style. 17‑year‑old Greene resident Colin Schlobohm, who will be able to vote for the first time this fall, said he was drawn to Jackson because “he supports many of the same policies as Platner, including Medicare for All and embracing unions.” “Troy may not be the smoothest politician you’ve ever heard speaking, but I think he’s authentically himself,” Schlobohm said.

Supporters weigh in

Jackson’s senior adviser, David Farmer, emailed local outlets after the Lewiston event, noting that supporters are “enthusiastic” about the campaign, citing early fundraising success and a growing volunteer base. “If we’re going to talk about enthusiasm and accountability, maybe start with the senator who has spent a quarter‑century avoiding a room full of Mainers asking her unvetted questions,” Farmer wrote. Farmer’s comments reflect the broader perception that Jackson’s campaign is still building momentum in a race dominated by an entrenched incumbent.

The broader context

Jackson, a fifth‑generation logger from Allagash who previously served in the Maine Senate, entered the race after Graham Platner’s July 2025 campaign collapsed amid scandal. Platner, a former oyster farmer turned national progressive figure, had become a symbol of grassroots energy and a challenger to Collins before his exit. The Democratic Party replaced Platner with Jackson, who has been working hard to convince voters that he can match the enthusiasm of his predecessor.

Jackson’s campaign is still catching up on fundraising, and early polls show a tight race. While his policy positions align closely with many of Platner’s—such as Medicare for All and union support—his campaign style and messaging differ. His website does describe Israel’s actions as a genocide, but he opposes sending U.S. tax dollars to Israel’s military, a stance that aligns with some of Platner’s rhetoric but diverges from the more vocal criticism of the Gaza campaign that Platner was known for.

Next steps

After Lewiston, Jackson will continue his Solidarity Forever Tour with stops in Gorham on Thursday and Jay on Saturday, hoping to expand his reach to undecided voters and to reinforce the progressive coalition that Platner began. As the campaign progresses, the question remains whether Jackson can translate the movement’s energy into votes, and whether his more measured style will resonate with a broader base of Mainers seeking change in Washington.

The race to unseat Susan Collins remains one of the most closely watched Senate contests of 2026, and how well Jackson can galvanize the progressive base—and appeal to a wider audience—will be key to his success.