Senior Democrats have continued to support Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson after reports that he fathered two children with his second cousin. Former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile declined to comment directly, saying she did not know about the report and characterising it as “salacious gossip”.

The controversy could complicate Jackson’s Senate campaign in Maine, where candidates’ personal conduct may affect voter perceptions. Fox News reported that the allegations concern Jackson’s relationship with his cousin, but the supplied article text does not include further details or a response from Jackson.