Troy Jackson shares his ideals in Ellsworth town hall
‘It isn't about me, but it is about all of us changing the world together’
Audience members waiting for Troy Jackson to arrive to his town hall. Photo by Lydia Hart.
Oct. 7, 2026
By Lydia Hart
ELLSWORTH – Troy Jackson, running as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate against Republican incumbent Susan Collins, made a campaign stop in Ellsworth on Oct. 4.
The town hall was held at the Moore Community Center, where state senator Nicole Grohoski and John “Bowser” Bauman, a member of the 1970s group Sha Na Na introduced Jackson.
“I have watched him [Jackson] stand up to some of the most powerful and deep-pocketed interests to protect not only our economic health in this state, but also our actual personal and physical well-being,” Grohoski said.
Jackson began by highlighting the other races in the current midterm cycle and elevating candidates like Matt Dunlap, the Democratic nominee for Maine's second congressional district, and Hannah Pingree, the Democratic nominee in Maine’s gubernatorial election.
During his speech, Jackson spoke about his experience fighting for the working class, called for expanding social benefits like child care and Medicare for all, and said that this race is bigger than just one person.
“This is not about Troy Jackson; it’s not about Graham [Platner]. It’s about people knowing that government isn't working, and we could change that,” Jackson said.
Jackson also spoke to restoring what he believes is the intended purpose of government.
“A government that actually functions the way it's supposed to be,” Jackson said. “You know, not a government that the president says, ‘I want to go to war with Iran’ and we just unilaterally go to war in Iran.”
As Jackson concluded his speech, he reminded audience members that the race is a team effort.
“It isn't about me, but it is about all of us changing the world together, and that, ladies and gentlemen, I am super proud of,” Jackson said.
He then took questions from audience members, with one member asking Jackson where he stands on the development of AI and government regulation.
“I’ve had a couple of conferences with some really intelligent people about AI, and it honestly scared the crap out of me,” Jackson said. “It’s unbelievable what we could be looking at. So I feel Congress has got to regulate this.”
When asked about language in one of his ads that could have been interpreted as anti-immigrant rhetoric, Jackson clarified the issue.
“People that come to this country, to live and set up shop here and be a part of the tax base, I am all for,” Jackson said. “We need to have a welcoming community to bring people in here.”
Next up for Jackson is a series of debates against Senator Susan Collins.
One debate has already taken place on Oct. 6, but the three remaining are scheduled for Oct. 8, Oct. 13, and Oct. 15. The final debate will be held in Bangor at the Gracie Theater, with questions from a live audience.
