Bernie-backed socialist who allied with Platner could supplant him on ballot

"While I haven't made any final decisions yet, I'm deeply humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement I've received," Jackson wrote. "I'm currently weighing the best path forward to support our progressive movement and the working class political revolution Mainers are fighting for."

"We have days, not weeks, to make sure a real progressive is on this ballot," Our Revolution Executive Director Joseph Geevarghese said in a statement. 

"If we do not organize now, we risk watching the Democratic establishment handing Maine a corporate placeholder while the party that just got outvoted decides it knows better. We refuse to let that happen."

Sanders later returned the favor, endorsing Jackson's gubernatorial campaign and appearing alongside him on the campaign trail.

"Fighting for the working class of Maine is not something new for Troy," Sanders said during a campaign rally. "That's what he has done for his entire life as a logger and as a member of the Maine state legislature. Troy knows what's going on with the working class of Maine because he's part of that working class."

During his gubernatorial campaign, he ran on a platform that included universal child care, Medicare for all and the creation of a Department of Affordable Housing. He also secured endorsements from more than 20 labor unions, cementing his reputation as a working-class progressive.

Despite his progressive politics, Jackson has repeatedly won elections in one of Maine's most Republican regions. He represented northern Aroostook County, a largely rural district that has consistently supported President Donald Trump by double-digit margins in recent presidential elections. 

Jackson has argued that his success stems from focusing on working-class economic issues rather than partisan labels.

Fox News Digital reached out to Jackson for comment.