Graham Platner’s decision on Wednesday to suspend his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine has sparked a swift and uncertain search within the state Democratic Party for a new nominee. Platner, a progressive oysterman who won the Democratic primary in June, remains on the ballot pending a formal withdrawal request that must be submitted by July 13 to the Maine Secretary of State.

Platner’s exit followed allegations of sexual assault, which he has denied, and left the party without a clear path forward less than five months before the general election. The Maine Democratic Party plans to select a replacement candidate through a nominating convention before the July 27 deadline mandated by state law. Party officials have indicated the convention will be representative, potentially involving hundreds of delegates, though the precise details and timing have yet to be finalized.

Among the first to declare their candidacy after Platner’s departure was Dr. Nirav Shah, an epidemiologist who led Maine’s coronavirus response and was the runner-up in the recent gubernatorial primary. Shah criticized establishment politicians and emphasized the need for an outsider to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Also entering the race is Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and a progressive favored by some working-class voters. Jackson, who recently lost in the Democratic primary for governor, emphasized his background as a fifth-generation logger and his commitment to progressive values. His entry was quickly followed by an endorsement from California Representative Ro Khanna, one of Platner’s early supporters.

Jordan Wood, who narrowly lost a House primary in Maine’s northern district last month, rejoined the Senate contest, advocating for a progressive campaign in contrast to Collins. Another candidate, Dan Kleban, a local brewery founder and previous Senate candidate, announced his run, focusing on opposition to former President Donald Trump’s influence.

The field may further expand with Shenna Bellows, Maine’s secretary of state and a former legislator, who also recently ran for governor but fell short. The party expects additional candidates could enter as the nominating convention approaches.

Tensions have surfaced regarding Platner’s role in the transition. The state party has firmly rejected any attempts by his team to influence the choice of his successor. Party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson stated they have made clear to Platner’s campaign that it holds no authority in the replacement process. Platner, in his announcement video, said he did not intend to dictate the selection but urged that the process honor the values of his supporters.

Platner spent his final hours before stepping away from the race closely surrounded by advisers at his home in Sullivan, Maine. His withdrawal marks a sudden turning point in a race that Democrats see as crucial to regaining control of the Senate. The party now faces the challenge of uniting behind a candidate capable of mounting a viable challenge to Collins in the November election.