HARPSWELL, Maine — Jordan Wood, who previously worked as a Capitol Hill staffer, has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Maine’s Senate race. This follows the withdrawal of Graham Platner on Wednesday evening.
Earlier this week, Wood indicated his interest in joining the race, as Democrats across Maine began considering new candidates to replace Platner. He has now confirmed his entry.
“This has been a tough week for all of us in Maine who have demanded real change in Washington and in our lives,” Wood stated on Thursday. “Our campaign will continue to build on the powerful populist movement Graham started, and I welcome every Mainer who believed in his vision to continue to build that better world.”
This marks Wood’s second attempt at a Senate run this cycle. Late last year, he ended his initial Senate campaign to participate in the Democratic primary for the House seat being vacated by Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), where he finished a close third.
Other candidates, such as former public health official Nirav Shah and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, are also vying to become the leading representative of Platner’s progressive outsider approach. Wood, however, may face challenges in reintroducing himself to voters and distancing himself from his previous role in Washington.
In an effort to separate from his D.C. background, Wood declared, “I’ve got a message for Chuck Schumer and the DSCC: Maine doesn’t need Washington insiders picking our senator. That’s a decision for the people of Maine,” he said.
