AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Democrats are racing to choose a new U.S. Senate nominee after Democratic candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign following a sexual assault allegation that he denies, leaving the party scrambling to preserve one of its top opportunities to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
Platner, a political newcomer and former Marine who won the Democratic primary last month, announced this week that he was suspending campaign operations and intended to withdraw from the race. He said the decision was not an admission of guilt and continued to deny the allegation made by a former girlfriend.
Under Maine law, Platner must formally withdraw by July 13 for Democrats to replace him on the general election ballot. If that occurs, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 to select a new nominee through a party nominating process rather than another statewide primary.
The abrupt vacancy has prompted several Democrats to seek the nomination. Among those publicly entering the race are former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former state health commissioner Nirav Shah, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, political adviser Jordan Wood and social worker Paige Loud. Other Democrats have also expressed interest or are weighing bids.
The contest has exposed divisions within the party over how the replacement should be chosen. Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said Platner's campaign had repeatedly attempted to influence the selection process but would have no role in determining the next nominee. Platner, in announcing his suspension, called for an open and transparent process and argued that the movement behind his campaign should be represented.
The Maine Senate race is regarded as one of Democrats' strongest pickup opportunities in the 2026 midterm elections. Collins, a Republican who has represented Maine in the Senate since 1997, is seeking another term in a contest that could help determine control of the chamber. Republicans currently hold a Senate majority.
Democratic hopefuls have begun courting Platner's supporters while emphasizing their own credentials and policy priorities. Party officials have said additional details on the nominating convention will be released before the July 27 deadline, after which the chosen candidate would become the party's official challenger to Collins in the November election.
