Maine Dem Troy Jackson Dodges Simple Question On Ties To Radical

During Tuesday night’s opening debate of Maine’s pivotal U.S. Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson found himself backed into a corner over his ties to the Democratic Socialists of America.

When pressed directly on whether he holds membership in the radical organization, Jackson launched into an extended filibuster on healthcare affordability while side-stepping the question regarding his affiliation with the group.

The awkward exchange unfolded when the debate moderator questioned Jackson on his proposal for a policy championed by the Democratic Socialists of America: Medicare for All. Noting that nearly 40% of Mainers hold an unfavorable view of socialism, moderators asked Jackson to clarify whether his support for single-payer healthcare stems from an active membership in the organization.

Rather than offering a clear confirmation or denial, Jackson pivoted to an impassioned defense of universal healthcare, taking aim at corporate pharmacy profits, Republican opponent Sen. Susan Collins, and President Donald Trump’s tax cuts.

“I support Medicare for all, so that people that I know across the state have healthcare,” Jackson replied. “I mean, it’s the worst thing in the world for somebody to lay there at night and not know what’s happening to them … and be afraid to go and get the services that they need because they know they can’t afford it.”

Jackson’s refusal to address his connection to the Democratic Socialists of America highlights the delicate political tightrope he is walking as the Democratic nominee in one of the nation’s most heavily watched Senate contests. Jackson, a former state Senate president, stepped into the Senate primary spotlight after former nominee Graham Platner dropped out following rape and abuse allegations.

Jackson has run from political labels during the campaign, telling CNN’s Manu Raju that he doesn’t “consider myself anything” and telling MS NOW’s “Morning Joe” that he does not endorse the national platform of the Democratic Socialists of America. Despite his recent insistence, his history with the radical Left runs deep.

During his unsuccessful run for Maine governor earlier this year, the Maine Chapter of the radical socialist organization formally endorsed Jackson, praising him as a “working class hero” and claiming that Jackson promised “Maine DSA will have a seat at the table.” Jackson embraced the endorsement on X at the time, calling on working Mainers to “take back what’s ours.”

Jackson’s ties to high-profile figures on the Left have also raised eyebrows as he attempts to moderate. Jackson ran Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential primary campaign in Maine and served as a superdelegate for the socialist Vermont senator. Sanders is scheduled to hold three major rallies alongside Jackson across Bangor, Lewiston, and Biddeford ahead of election day, according to the Maine Wire.

Controversial Left-wing political commentator Hasan Piker also promoted Jackson’s candidacy following Platner’s exit, declaring “Troy Jackson is him!” Jackson has since tried to minimize the connection to Piker.

Throughout Tuesday night’s debate, Jackson touted other far-Left hobby horses. In his answer about his plan for ICE enforcement, Jackson said, “Right now what you have is a rogue agency, pushed by Donald Trump to go after black and brown people in this country…” he would later post a clip from the debate simply labeled “Abolish ICE.” When asked if voters should have to show ID at the polls he answered, “No.”

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