Graham Platner has exited the Senate race in Maine, prompting some Democrats to express interest in taking his place.
A report by POLITICO on Monday revealing new sexual allegations against Platner led to a rush among Maine Democrats, urging him to step down and considering who could best challenge GOP Sen. Susan Collins, the state’s only Republican candidate in a cycle won by Kamala Harris. The party views winning this Senate seat as crucial for regaining control of the upper chamber.
The dwindling support and financial resources for Platner’s campaign, which denied the allegations, have provided an opportunity for several progressive figures to begin their campaign preparations.
Figures such as Troy Jackson, a former Senate President, were proactive, initiating joint fundraising efforts even before Platner’s withdrawal. Others, like Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, indicated they would “seriously consider” running if Platner dropped out. Some potential candidates, including Rep. Jared Golden, Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry, and actor Patrick Dempsey (yes, really), have decided not to run.
With fewer than four months remaining until Election Day, the race for the nomination is expected to intensify.
Maine state law allows the Democratic Party to replace Platner and requires his successor to be chosen by July 27. On Wednesday, just before Platner ended his campaign, the Maine Democratic Party tentatively approved plans for a nominating convention to select his replacement.
Here’s where things stand.
Officially running
Troy Jackson
After urging Platner to step aside on Monday, Jackson quickly announced his candidacy for the Senate following Platner’s withdrawal.
“I’m in. And we’re going to defeat Susan Collins,” Jackson posted on X. “Maine deserves a Senator that will fight for working families.”
Jackson was widely expected to join the race and had already filed his candidacy interest with the Federal Election Commission prior to Wednesday.
Jackson, a logger with deep ties to organized labor, has quickly garnered support from many of Platner’s progressive backers. Our Revolution, a progressive group founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), has already endorsed Jackson.
However, some of Jackson’s past legislative votes, such as his 2009 vote against a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, are resurfacing, causing some hesitation among Platner’s supporters. Jackson has called this vote the “worst vote I ever took.” His earlier close association with Platner may also be a concern for some Democrats as they select their next nominee.
Despite this, having recently lost a primary for governor, Jackson is well-positioned to quickly rebuild his campaign.
Dan Kleban
Kleban also declared his candidacy on Wednesday. The 49-year-old founder of Maine Beer Company had previously exited the Democratic Senate primary this year and had supported establishment-backed Gov. Janet Mills.
“Mainers deserve a senator who will fight for them against the D.C. establishment while also doing what’s right,” Kleban stated. “I plan to be that senator.”
Though Kleban lacks experience in public office, he has been active in Maine Democratic circles for some time.
Considering running
Nirav Shah
Shah, a former public health official, is “evaluating” a potential Senate bid, as he told POLITICO on Tuesday. He had already positioned himself as a candidate before Platner’s announcement.
He advocated for an open process on Tuesday, suggesting at least one televised debate and multiple public town halls across Maine.
Shah led the state’s Covid-19 pandemic response and made his first public office run earlier this year, finishing second in Maine’s gubernatorial primary. He mentioned in an interview that his political views are “very, very much aligned” with Platner’s.
Shenna Bellows
In a statement on Tuesday, the Maine Secretary of State indicated she would “seriously consider” joining the race, asserting she is uniquely qualified to unite Mainers and defeat Susan Collins in just over 100 days.
Bellows, who has previously run unsuccessfully for governor, is reportedly receiving calls from those interested in her potential candidacy, according to a source familiar with her campaign. This source highlighted her progressive alignment with Platner and her compelling life story—rising from poverty in rural Maine and flipping a GOP-held state Senate district—as key components of her potential campaign.
Bellows previously lost a Senate race to Collins in 2014, and will need to convince voters of her ability to succeed this time.
Jordan Wood
Wood, another former Senate candidate, switched to pursue the state’s 2nd District seat after Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) decided against reelection. Wood finished third in that race, with state Auditor Matt Dunlap securing the nomination after ranked-choice voting.
“To beat Susan Collins, we need a candidate who can provide a true contrast and run an unapologetically progressive campaign: Passing Medicare for All. Stopping ICE terrorizing our streets. Standing up to Donald Trump’s abuse of power,” Wood wrote on X on Tuesday, as he continued conversations with Maine voters about potentially entering the Senate race.
As a former staffer for former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Wood may face challenges winning over Platner supporters seeking a candidate from outside D.C. Nonetheless, he demonstrated solid fundraising during his House campaign and has maintained a presence in political discussions.
Paige Loud
Loud, who also ran for Congress in the 2nd District, finished last in the first round of voting. She promptly filed paperwork with the FEC on Tuesday to succeed Platner.
“I don’t think we should be electing a man,” Loud, who previously held an unpaid position on Platner’s campaign before departing earlier this year, stated in an interview. “I think I’m tired of making women vote for a man.”
Valli Geiger
People close to Platner have quickly brought up Geiger—a state House member and key ally of Platner—as a potential successor. However, Wednesday saw some confusion over whether she had Platner’s endorsement.
Geiger told a Maine local outlet that Platner expressed support for her. The Platner campaign later stated that no such endorsement was made.
Geiger did not respond to POLITICO’s attempts for comment on Wednesday.
In an interview with MSNOW, Geiger mentioned receiving calls about running for Senate and expressed willingness to run. However, the 70-year-old state representative noted a preference for a younger candidate.
Andrea LaFlamme
LaFlamme, who ran as a write-in candidate during the Democratic Senate primary, garnered just over 1,000 votes. On Tuesday, she expressed her belief in being the “best person to take on Susan Collins” in a post on Bluesky.
She initially launched her write-in candidacy due to Platner’s earlier controversies, telling the student paper of the college she works for that electing Platner “sends the message that women are not valued.” Given her write-in campaign’s outcome and the presence of well-known Democrats in the race, her chances of ultimately challenging Collins appear slim.
Some names to watch
Chellie Pingree
Pingree, a longstanding member of Congress representing Maine’s secure 1st District, is considered a long shot. Her candidacy would require the party to replace her on the ballot, triggering another rush for nominations. Her established reputation as a party leader could make her a contender, especially with her daughter Hannah being the Democratic nominee for governor.
“Mainers deserve a nominee they can trust, a campaign focused on the challenges facing our state and our country, and a Democratic Party that responds to allegations of sexual assault with clarity, compassion, and accountability,” Pingree said in a statement on Monday, urging Platner to step down.
Ryan Fecteau
Fecteau, known as the youngest person to become Maine’s state House Speaker, joined other Democrats in urging Platner to exit the race. He stated on Facebook that POLITICO’s report “make[s] it clear that Graham’s campaign cannot be successful.”
Sara Gideon
Gideon, who previously ran unsuccessfully against Collins in 2020, has kept a low public profile. However, she remains relevant due to her campaign’s $2.4 million fund, as noted in an FEC report filed on Wednesday.
Alec Hernández and Jessica Piper contributed to this report.
