The decision on Maine’s next Democratic Senate nominee will be made by approximately 600 individuals, with 500 delegates yet to be determined.
Graham Platner halted his campaign on Wednesday following an allegation reported by POLITICO that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2021, an accusation he denies. This suspension allows the Maine Democratic Party to start the process of finding his replacement. Platner reiterated his denial of the allegations but cited a loss of resources as his reason for withdrawing.
While many Democrats anticipated Platner’s exit, the details of the nomination process remain uncertain due to its open nature and impending deadline.
This transition occurs at a pivotal moment for the party, presenting a significant opportunity to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins, the only Senate Republican seeking reelection in a state won by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.
How does the process to replace a nominee work in Maine?
The party is responsible for nominating a new candidate. Provided Platner submits withdrawal paperwork to the secretary of state’s office by Monday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 27th — 19 days from now — to name his successor.
Who are the candidates running to replace Platner?
Following Platner’s campaign suspension, former gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, who received an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders, announced his intention to seek the nomination. Dan Kleban, a brewery owner in Maine, also declared his candidacy on Wednesday. Additionally, former congressional candidates Jordan Wood and Paige Loud have expressed their plans to run.
Former public health official Nirav Shah and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, both of whom ran for governor earlier this year, indicated they were considering a bid to replace Platner.
Does the state party have a plan in place?
Prior to Platner’s departure, Maine Democrats approved a tentative plan for a nominating convention before the July 27th deadline, involving around 600 delegates primarily comprising local party officials.
Maine Democratic Party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson mentioned in a Wednesday evening MS NOW interview that candidates might need to gather signatures from Maine voters to qualify for the nominating convention.
When and where will the nominating convention be?
The timing and location of the convention remain unannounced by the Maine Democratic Party.
How will delegates be chosen?
County party committees are expected to caucus and elect 500 convention delegates before the state nominating convention, with the remaining 100 delegates being state committee members, according to sources familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Although the state Democratic Party has not released exact details, it has promised more information soon. County chairs were scheduled for a Thursday meeting, but it remains unclear if delegates will be selected by county committees or through public caucuses.
How will delegates select their candidate?
The specific process for selecting a candidate at the convention has not been shared by the Maine Democratic Party. While general procedures for state conventions are available on its website, a delegate convention for a U.S. Senate nominee is unprecedented, and the rules do not explicitly cover this scenario.
Will there be a debate?
It is uncertain. A formal debate may be organized by a media network once candidates announce their intentions, or the nominating convention could serve as a platform for candidates to engage delegates. With time running short, organizing a televised debate soon is crucial. Shah has already advocated for one.
How does Platner want the process to replace him to look?
Before his withdrawal, Platner’s allies attempted to use his influence on the nomination to sway the process, which prompted a strong response from Murphy-Anderson.
On Wednesday morning, Platner’s campaign manager sent a message to volunteers criticizing the state party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for “planning a potential nominating process behind closed doors,” eliciting another strong reaction from Murphy-Anderson and the DSCC.
“While we may be frustrated with Graham Platner’s continued efforts to manipulate this process, we are so thankful for his supporters and all of their efforts to defeat Susan Collins — they are a vital part of our Party and deserve to participate in an open process to select Platner’s replacement,” she said.
In his video announcing the end of his campaign, Platner seemed to address accusations of interference, urging Maine Democrats to follow the voters’ preferences in choosing his successor.
“I’m not trying to dictate to anyone who it should be or how we get there, but I will say this: It needs to be open, transparent, and democratic,” Platner said in the video. “People in DC need to stay in DC. Decisions should not be made in back rooms by people in places of political power. Party apparatchiks are not the ones to make these decisions. These decisions need to be made in the open by the people of this state, the people who got us here.”
It remains unclear whether Platner will seek to influence the process publicly or discreetly after his exit.
