Maine Senate Race Rattled by Cousin Controversy | Annapolis News

Annapolis News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 1, 2026 · 1m

Troy Jackson, Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee, is facing a firestorm after reports surfaced that he and his partner Lana Pelletier — parents of two adult sons — are second cousins. The campaign calls the story a political distraction, blaming GOP rival Susan Collins for trying to shift focus from her record, calling attacks on Jackson’s family “shameful and desperate.” The controversy follows Jackson’s surprise selection to replace Graham Platner, who stepped down amid sexual assault allegations. While Maine law permits second cousins to be together — unlike closer relatives — Jackson and…