Maine Dem Troy Jackson Avoids Question on DSA Ties
Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson sidesteps debate on his Democratic Socialists of America connections.
2 min read
During Tuesday night’s opening debate of Maine’s pivotal U.S. Senate race, Democratic nominee Troy Jackson faced a difficult question about his ties to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). When pressed directly on whether he holds membership in the radical organization, Jackson avoided the question, instead launching into a detailed discussion on healthcare affordability.
Evading the DSA Question
The awkward exchange occurred when the debate moderator asked Jackson to clarify whether his support for Medicare for All stemmed from an active membership in the DSA. Noting that nearly 40% of Mainers hold an unfavorable view of socialism, the moderator sought a direct answer. Jackson, however, pivoted to an impassioned defense of universal healthcare, criticizing 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.”
Political Ties and Past Endorsements
Jackson’s refusal to address his connection to the DSA highlights the political tightrope he is walking in a closely watched Senate race. Jackson, a former state Senate president, stepped into the primary spotlight after former nominee Graham Platner dropped out due to rape and abuse allegations.
Jackson has distanced himself from political labels, telling CNN’s Manu Raju that he doesn’t “consider himself anything” and stating he does not endorse the national platform of the DSA. Despite this, his history with the radical Left runs deep. During his unsuccessful run for Maine governor earlier this year, the Maine Chapter of the DSA formally endorsed him, calling him a “working class hero.” Jackson embraced the endorsement on X, urging working Mainers to “take back what’s ours.”
Support From High-Profile Figures
Jackson’s ties to high-profile Left-wing figures have also raised eyebrows as he attempts to appear more moderate. He ran Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential primary campaign in Maine and served as a superdelegate for the socialist Vermont senator. Sanders is set to hold three major rallies alongside Jackson across Bangor, Lewiston, and Biddeford.
Controversial Left-wing 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 the debate, Jackson also championed other far-Left causes, including calls to abolish ICE and oppose voter ID requirements.
Source: Daily Wire
