Maine Democrats scramble to replace Graham Platner in Senate race

After multiple sexual‑assault allegations, Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign in early July, triggering a rushed race to name a Democratic replacement before the July 27 filing deadline. The Maine Democratic Party set a special convention for July 25, with county caucuses the weekend of July 18‑19 to elect the 601 delegates who will vote using a slow‑motion ranked‑choice system.

Potential nominees include former state health chief Nirav Shah, former state Senate president Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former gubernatorial candidate David Costello, and brewery co‑founder Dan Kleban. Party officials say the process is “fair, transparent and inclusive,” requiring each candidate to gather 500 signatures and register by July 15.

National Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have been urged to stay out of the contest to avoid accusations of Washington interference. Polling and prediction markets show a swing in Democratic odds, with a generic Democratic candidate now projected to have a 12‑point advantage over incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins and a 63 % chance of winning the seat.

A New York Post report linking a convicted individual’s aid to a New York congressional campaign to market perceptions of Platner’s candidacy further underscored the volatility of the race.