EqualityMaine, the state’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ political advocacy organization, has endorsed Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee challenging Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in the upcoming Midterm Election on Nov. 3.
A fifth-generation logger from Allagash, Jackson has served in the Maine Legislature since 2002, including as Senate President from 2018 to 2024.
In the endorsement process, Jackson expressed strong support for the full range of issues affecting LGBTQ+ Mainers. EqualityMaine’s endorsement process was grounded in ensuring that Maine’s federal delegation will protect and advance full equality for LGBTQ+ Mainers, including:
- Federal nondiscrimination protections. Passing the Equality Act and defending federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in healthcare, employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- Marriage equality. Defending the Respect for Marriage Act and full federal recognition of marriage equality against efforts to weaken or repeal it.
- Healthcare access. Protecting access to gender-affirming care from federal interference and opposing efforts to restrict Medicaid or insurance coverage of that care.
- Safety. Robust enforcement of federal hate crimes protections for LGBTQ+ people, including addressing the epidemic of violence against transgender people, particularly Black and Latina trans women.
- Service and representation. The right of transgender and all LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military, and confirmation of openly LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+-affirming nominees to the federal judiciary and executive positions.
- Protection for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people. Recognizing sexual orientation and gender identity as valid bases for asylum claims for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution.
“EqualityMaine has worked tirelessly and effectively for 42 years, advocating for LGBTQ+ people at the Maine State House and beyond. We are proud to endorse Troy, whom we trust to stand for LGBTQ+ people in Washington no matter who is pushing back,” said John Hennessy, EQME PAC Board Chair.
“The importance of this election cannot be overstated, and LGBTQ+ people will show up at the polls with all of the information they need to make an informed decision,” Hennessy said.
“I’m proud to be endorsed by EqualityMaine in this fight for working people,” said Jackson. “In Maine, everyone should be able to be seen and accepted for who they are. I’ll always stand with Maine’s LGBTQ community and fight for equal protections under the law for our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, colleagues and fellow citizens.”
—from an EqualityMaine press release
More: equalitymaine.org