At least six Democrats from Maine have entered the race to replace progressive candidate Graham Platner in the U.S. Senate contest, following his abrupt withdrawal on July 9 amid multiple controversies, including a recent rape allegation. The seat, currently held by longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins, is central to Democrats' efforts to regain control of the Senate in the November midterm elections.
Platner, an oyster farmer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, stepped down less than three weeks before the state's July 27 deadline to finalize candidates for the ballot. His exit came after media reports detailed troubling past conduct, including offensive online posts, controversial tattoos, and new allegations that a former partner accused him of rape — charges Platner has denied categorically. He also publicly apologized for past mistakes, attributing some behavior to struggles with alcohol and mental health following military service.
The Democratic Party of Maine announced it would select a replacement candidate through an upcoming nominating convention, though details on the process remain forthcoming amid the tight timeline. Since Platner's departure, six candidates have formally launched their campaigns, several emphasizing their outsider status and critique of establishment politics.
Among those running is Nirav Shah, a lawyer and epidemiologist who has pledged to fight for lower medical costs and greater tax contributions from the wealthy and corporations. Shah described recent events as “frustrating and maddening” in a campaign video, calling instead for a focus on the future.
Troy Jackson, a fifth-generation logger from one of Maine’s most isolated regions, announced his bid on July 8 and quickly secured endorsements from 54 state and local officials, including lawmakers and community leaders from various parts of the state. Jackson has positioned himself as a champion of working-class Mainers.
Other candidates include Dan Kleban, co-owner of Maine Beer Company; Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer who also ran unsuccessfully for a U.S. House seat; Paige Loud, a social worker and prior House candidate; and Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State who placed fourth in the recent Democratic gubernatorial primary. Bellows gained national attention in 2024 when she ruled former President Donald Trump ineligible for the state’s Republican presidential primary ballot over his role in the January 6 Capitol attack, a decision later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Republican campaign remains confident. Samantha Cantrell, a spokesperson for the Senate Republican campaign, asserted that Collins has consistently prevailed over challengers endorsed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and expressed confidence she would defeat whoever emerges from the Democratic selection process.
Financially, it is unclear how Platner’s campaign funds will be allocated. His most recent Federal Election Commission filing in May showed $2.2 million on hand. While campaign rules allow him to transfer unlimited funds to party committees, direct transfers to the replacement candidate are limited to $2,000.
With the nomination deadline only weeks away, Maine Democrats face a significant challenge to unify behind a candidate capable of competing for a seat critical to the balance of power in the Senate.