Few people outside of Maine probably knew much about Troy Jackson’s LGBTQ+ legislative record until earlier this year, when he joined the state’s US Senate race after Democratic candidate Graham Platner dropped out.

While Jackson started his political career as a Republican (and once voted against marriage equality), he has since formed a strong record of opposing anti-LGBTQ+ bills in his state’s legislature and has spoken out for queer equality and trans rights on the campaign. A closer look at his words and actions suggests that he’ll be a strong ally for our civil rights.