WASHINGTON — Democrats may have just two weeks to find a new nominee for the Senate seat from Maine if Graham Platner, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct, decides to withdraw from the race.
According to insiders, Platner is in discussions with party leaders, seeking assurances that any replacement will align with his far-left views before he decides on stepping down, The Post reports.
Despite the controversy, the Senate Democratic leadership has not taken a strong stance against Platner, particularly after endorsing the unsuccessful primary bid of Gov. Janet Mills. However, former supporters of Platner are now searching for a new candidate to back.
Should Platner withdraw before 5 p.m. on July 13, Maine Democrats will have precisely two weeks to select a new nominee. The process they will use to choose a replacement remains unclear.
Below, The Post examines several potential candidates who could challenge the Republican incumbent, Susan Collins.
Here are some of the leading names being considered.
Troy Jackson
Troy Jackson, a logger and former president of the Maine Senate, has filed paperwork to explore a Senate run. His previous gubernatorial bid was unsuccessful despite support from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a Platner endorser.
During his campaign for governor, Jackson focused on reducing property taxes, cutting prescription drug costs, and establishing a state Department of Affordable Housing.
Originally a Republican, he became an Independent before his 2002 election to the state legislature and switched to the Democratic party two years later. Jackson gained prominence in 1998 during a logging blockade protesting local landowners hiring Canadian contractors instead of locals.
Jackson had campaigned with Platner last month, following allegations that Platner had been sexting women while married and engaging in physical abuse. The recent rape accusation against Platner led Jackson to retract his endorsement.
“There is no place in our politics for sexual violence. Not in our party, not in any party. Graham Platner must withdraw from this race today,” Jackson posted on X. “This is not what we stand for. Not as Democrats, not as Mainers, not as human beings.”
Shenna Bellows
Shenna Bellows, Maine’s Secretary of State, placed fourth in the recent gubernatorial primary.
Bellows previously ran against Collins in 2014, losing by a significant 37-point margin.
She served four years in the Maine Senate and has been the Secretary of State since 2021.
The 51-year-old gained national attention in 2024 when she attempted to remove Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot, a decision that was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Following the rape allegations against Platner, Bellows also called for him to withdraw, describing the claims as “extremely serious.”
Jordan Wood
Jordan Wood, who lost the Democratic primary in Maine’s competitive 2nd Congressional District, has shown interest in the Senate nomination.
“If my fellow Maine Democrats decide through an open and democratic process that I am the best candidate to defeat Susan Collins, I would be humbled by their trust,” he stated.
Wood initially entered the Senate primary in April of last year but later switched to the House race.
He advocates for progressive policies, including Medicare for All.
Nirav Shah
Nirav Shah, a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director who came second in the Maine Democratic gubernatorial primary, has confirmed that he is considering entering the race to replace Platner.
“Anyone running for this nomination should agree to at least one televised debate and hold multiple public town halls across every corner of the state,” Shah said in a statement. “I am committed to doing that, if I run. Defeating Collins means showing up everywhere and speaking with everyone.”
“I’m not an establishment politician, and I’m not an insider. I’m a public servant who served our state in one of its darkest times.”
Shah secured the most votes in the initial round of ranked-choice voting but ultimately lost to Hannah Pingree.
Maine’s Senate race is considered crucial for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate.
Collins is known for outperforming polls and overcoming Maine’s Democratic leanings.
