Troy Jackson appears closest to securing Maine Democrats' nomination

Key Points:

• After the first day of voting, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson's preferred delegates have won the majority of delegate slots to choose the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race against Susan Collins.
• Voting continues in several counties with final results expected Sunday evening, ahead of the Maine Democratic Party's nominating convention on July 25 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
• Several candidates, including Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, Dan Kleban, and Jordan Wood, have withdrawn from the race and endorsed Jackson, consolidating support behind him.
• The Maine Democratic Party notes that delegates are not officially pledged, so votes could shift at the convention, but current trends make Jackson the presumptive nominee.
• The party must select its replacement nominee by July 27 following the withdrawal of former nominee Graham Platner amid allegations, with strong grassroots organizing credited for high delegate turnout and enthusiasm.