Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson apologized Wednesday after comments he made about the state's Jewish population and the war in Gaza drew immediate backlash, marking the latest controversy in a race Democrats have made central to their hopes of reclaiming the Senate majority.
Jackson, who is challenging longtime incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), had said it was \"unfortunate\" that some Jewish Mainers do not describe the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as a \"genocide,\" linking their position to the Holocaust, according to reporting from Fox News Politics and the Washington Post.
\"[The Israel-Hamas war] fits that description and it is. It's [an] unbelievable thing that's happened there that people that are innocent are being murdered, and it is a genocide,\" Jackson said, per Fox News Politics.
When pressed about Hamas's atrocities that triggered the war, Jackson suggested both sides bore blame.
\"You could argue the same thing for Hamas too. There's people that are wrong on both sides of this issue. But in the end, senseless murders, horrific murders are happening to both sides, and that has to stop,\" he said.
The Washington Post reported that Jackson had specifically said some Jewish Mainers who do not accuse the Israeli government of carrying out a genocide in Gaza take that position \"only\" because of their religious faith. The Post noted that Jackson's bid to unseat Collins is critical to Democrats' hopes of retaking the chamber.
The Apology
In his apology, Jackson attempted to clarify his remarks while reaffirming his position that Gaza has experienced genocide.
\"I believe what's happening in Gaza is genocide, and I also understand that word carries particular weight for many Jewish families given the Holocaust — the genocide of six million Jews. In trying to acknowledge that, I misspoke and made a generalization about Jewish Mainers' views that doesn't reflect what I meant to say. I apologize for the pain that caused.\"
He added: \"Mainers hold a range of deeply considered views, and I promise I will always listen and work to approach these conversations with the care and respect they deserve. In the U.S. Senate, I'll fight antisemitism and work for lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.\"
Mediaite's one-sheet newsletter also covered the apology, noting that Jackson \"replaced scandal-plagued Graham Platner\" as the Democratic nominee — a detail that underscores the turbulent nature of the Maine Senate race for Democrats.
Backlash Was Immediate
The Washington Post's X account amplified the story, posting: \"Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine, said that it is 'unfortunate' that Jewish Mainers don't call the war in Gaza a 'genocide.' He later apologized, saying that the word genocide 'carries particular weight' given the Holocaust.\"
The Washington Post account did not invite criticism — but it quickly arrived anyway.
Joel Pollak of the California Post fired back: \"More antisemitism from the Democratic Party. Mainers who reject the 'genocide' label for Gaza don't do so just because they're Jewish (and many aren't). They do so because they have brains.\"
Pollak's reaction captures what many conservatives are saying: that Jackson's original comments weren't a gaffe but a window into how the progressive wing of the Democratic Party actually views Jewish voters — as people whose opinions are shaped by identity and trauma rather than reason and evidence.
What Happens Now
Jackson faces Collins in a race that a recent New York Times/Siena College poll found the incumbent leading by 3 points, 49 to 46 percent. That's within striking distance for Democrats, which explains why party leaders were likely furious when Jackson's remarks went public.
This is now the second major controversy to hit Jackson's candidacy, following the scandal that ended Graham Platner's campaign. For a party that spent years insisting it stands with marginalized communities, the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine just told Jewish voters their views on Gaza are based on religious identity, not thought.
The question for Maine voters: will an apology issued only after public pressure be enough — or does Jackson's initial comment reveal what he actually believes?
Our Take
Let's be clear about what happened here. Troy Jackson didn't misspeak. He said exactly what he thinks, and what he thinks is that Jewish Americans who don't fall in line with the left's Gaza narrative are motivated by religion rather than reason.
That's not a slip of the tongue.
And notice the timing: Jackson's apology came only after Jewish Mainers and conservative outlets raised hell. That's not accountability — that's damage control. The same party that lectures Americans about "hate speech" and "systemic bigotry" just ran a candidate who told Jewish voters their views on genocide are shaped by religious trauma, not logic.
Meanwhile, Susan Collins continues to quietly do the work in Maine while her opponent apologizes for insulting the state's Jewish population. The polls show Collins leading by three. After this, that gap should widen.
But the bigger question remains: how many more Troy Jacksons are running for office right now, telling Jewish voters what they think — only because they think those voters won't hear it? Patriots, the media might have moved on by tomorrow. We won't.
