Source: Fox News
Summary
Former state Senator Troy Jackson, now the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, supported legislation sending public funds to the Maine Maritime Academy while his son, Chace Jackson, lobbied for the institution. State records show Chace registered as a lobbyist for the academy in 2022 and renewed his registration in 2024, during which time Troy co-sponsored a bill seeking $13.4 million for the academy. The elder Jackson also backed a 2023 bill providing $2 million annually to the academy. A Republican press secretary criticized the senator for prioritizing personal interests, while a campaign spokesperson defended his record.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Troy Jackson co-sponsored bills for the Maine Maritime Academy.
His son lobbied for the academy at the same time.
Legislation was drafted while the son lobbied.
The son also lobbied for a whiskey company his father criticized.
Author: Evan Null
Former Senator’s New Role
Troy Jackson, once a state senator, now runs for the Senate in Maine. He replaced Graham Platner, who left the race due to controversies. Jackson’s campaign claims he fights for working families. But documents show he backed funding for a college while his son lobbied for it. The son registered as a lobbyist in 2022 and renewed in 2024. During that time, Jackson co-sponsored a bill for $13.4 million for the Maine Maritime Academy.
Family and Lobbying
Chace Jackson, Troy’s son, lobbied for the Maine Maritime Academy. He also worked for a multinational alcohol company. The elder Jackson criticized corporate greed and special interests. But his son represented those very interests. The son’s lobbying clients dropped after Troy left the Senate in 2025. A bill targeting an oil and gas company died during Troy’s time in the Senate.
Controversies and Replacements
Graham Platner, the original Democratic nominee, left the race after allegations of rape and other controversies. Troy Jackson took his place. The new nominee faces Susan Collins in November. His campaign says he wants to fix Maine’s broken system. But critics say he turned public office into a family affair. The National Republican Senatorial Committee called him a self-enricher.
Public Funds and Legislation
Troy Jackson supported a 2022 bill giving the Maine Maritime Academy $6.8 million. He also backed a 2023 bill for $2 million annually. Both were drafted while his son lobbied for the academy. The 2024 bill passed the Senate but wasn’t signed into law. The academy did receive the 2023 funding. The son continued lobbying after the bill failed.
Public Response and Silence
The Jackson campaign defended Troy’s record, saying he fights for working families. But the Republican press secretary called him a self-enricher. The son and the academy did not comment. Troy’s campaign said he wants to stop the rich from getting richer. But the records show a pattern of public funding and private lobbying. The son’s work for a whiskey company contradicts his father’s rhetoric.
