Maine Women’s Lobby Endorses Jackson, Defend His Record, Condemn Attacks on His Family

Women leaders highlight Jackson’s work to protect reproductive freedom, lower child care costs, and elevate women’s voices

AUGUSTA, ME — Today in Augusta, former legislative colleagues of Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Troy Jackson stood up for his character and record of fighting for Maine women, condemning the personal attacks Susan Collins and her allies have leveled against Jackson, his partner, and their children. At the press conference, the Maine Women’s Lobby announced its endorsement of Jackson, citing his leadership on reproductive rights, affordable child care, and elevating women’s voices in the Maine Legislature.

“I’m honored that my friends and former colleagues gathered today in support of my campaign for Senate and I’m proud to have the endorsement of the Maine Women’s Lobby, some of the strongest advocates for women’s issues in the state,” said Jackson. “Together in Maine, we lowered the cost of child care, secured universal school meals, and when Susan Collins’ voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh and he overturned Roe v. Wade, we jumped into action to make sure no woman in Maine felt the consequences of Collins’ actions. In the U.S. Senate, I’ll do the same thing –  I’ll always stand with Maine women, listen to them and fight alongside them.”

“I served with Troy in the state senate. He lifted up the voices of women. He appointed them into leadership positions. He trusted us with the important work of leading powerful committees and our colleagues. He listened to our advice,” said former Maine State Senator Rebecca Millett. “The allegations in these disgusting ads are untrue. Susan Collins and the rich men backing her campaigns should be ashamed and embarrassed. If they'll treat Troy Jackson like this, they'll treat working families in Maine even worse.”

“The dealers of sleaze who are spending millions of dollars to keep Susan Collins and Donald Trump in power, don't care about the facts or the truth. Their only goal is to turn Troy into something scary and unrecognizable. And they're doing it because they know that Susan Collins can't defend her record. She has sided with Trump against Maine time after time,” said former Maine State Senator Cathy Breen. “What is Susan Collins talking about? Not Troy's record, not his accomplishments. Instead, they're launching personal and hateful attacks against Troy and his family, and they used my photo to do it. Susan Collins and her billionaire friends owe us an apology. They're desperate, and they should be ashamed of themselves.”

“In the last two years, Washington D.C. has rolled back the hard-won gains of gender equity, and women in Maine need and deserve someone who has our back. That is why the Maine women's lobby is endorsing Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate. In his last three years as Senate President Troy supported our priorities in our legislative report card 100% of the time,” said Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby, Destie Hohman Sprague. “Until this year, our advocacy has not routinely included endorsement of candidates for office, but there is too much at stake. We can't afford someone who will compromise on our rights, our health, and our safety. That is why the women's lobby is endorsing Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate, because we need a senator who will fight for our rights, our resources, our families, and for our democracy at every step of the way.”

The Maine Women’s Lobby endorsement follows endorsements from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Reproductive Freedom for All, all pointing to Jackson’s relentless fight for women’s rights and freedoms as Maine Senate President. The endorsement also comes as Jackson’s strongest coalition, Women for Troy, continues to grow. The coalition of Mainers is organizing to elect a senator who will protect abortion rights, defend access to reproductive health care, and stand up to politicians trying to take those freedoms away.

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