Longtime Maine Legislative Analyst Endorses Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate

A retired Maine teacher and attorney who spent more than a decade working closely with Troy Jackson has thrown her support behind the Senate president's bid for the U.S. Senate, citing his decades of service to Maine workers and his willingness to evolve on key issues.

Carolyn Russo, who grew up in Portland and now lives in Hope, worked alongside Jackson during some of his most consequential years in the Maine Legislature. She served as the legislative analyst for the Senate Labor Committee when Jackson chaired it during the 124th Legislature, and later spent five years as Jackson's policy and legal director in the Senate president's office from 2019 to 2024.

"Troy Jackson is the real deal. He has earned our trust and respect, and he will make an amazing U.S. senator — one who represents the best interests of all Mainers," Russo wrote in an endorsement published this week.

Russo described Jackson as a leader who approached his work with relentless dedication to everyday people. She recalled watching him listen carefully to every person who testified before the Labor Committee, regardless of their viewpoint, and work diligently with fellow committee members to craft legislation that would positively affect Maine residents.

"He championed a livable wage, fair workers' compensation, security for Maine retirees, benefits for firefighters and their families and supported both public and private service employees," Russo wrote. "It didn't matter how long a public hearing or work session would last, he would not stop until the legislation met the needs of those he served."

After becoming Senate president, Jackson's scope expanded significantly. Russo witnessed him sponsor the Buy American, Build Maine bill, support paid family and medical leave legislation, and promote offshore wind projects that she said protected both the environment and the workers involved.

Russo highlighted Jackson's advocacy for Maine's indigenous populations, which he championed throughout his three sessions as Senate president. He also pioneered universal free meals for all school-aged children, championed early childhood and pre-K programs, and worked to increase protections for victims of sexual misconduct on college campuses.

Jackson also fought to improve access to justice in rural Maine by supporting legal education initiatives and establishing a drug court in Aroostook County. He consistently worked to lower the costs of prescription medications and health insurance, according to Russo.

Perhaps most notably, Russo described watching Jackson's views mature and expand over time, particularly on women's reproductive rights, reasonable gun safety laws, and gender issues.

"I witnessed this authentic growth as he listened, discussed and learned from a broader electorate," Russo wrote. "He maintains an open mind and doesn't let his ego get in the way of good decision-making."

Russo emphasized that Jackson never ignored constituent concerns, whether or not they had voted for him.

"Rest assured that Troy Jackson cares deeply about this state and its inhabitants," she wrote. "He is trustworthy, prepared to fight for what is just and willing to evolve as a person and leader."

Russo encouraged Mainers to join her in supporting Jackson's Senate campaign, calling him a friend who promises to do his very best for every resident of the state.