Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson is facing scrutiny over reports that he and his long-term partner, Lana Pelletier, are second cousins. The issue has emerged as Jackson prepares to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, a race Democrats view as important to their hopes of winning control of the US Senate.

Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate and logger from Allagash, secured the Democratic nomination after Graham Platner withdrew. Jackson and Pelletier have two adult sons; the reported family connection means they share great-grandparents, making them second cousins rather than first cousins. Maine Democrats selected Jackson by 566 votes to five at their July convention, setting up the November contest against Collins, who is seeking a sixth term.