Who Could Replace Graham Platner on Maine's Senate Ballot

Graham Platner’s withdrawal from Maine’s US Senate race has set off a scramble among Democratic candidates hoping to be chosen at the party’s upcoming convention before a July 27 ballot deadline. Contenders include Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former state senate leader Troy Jackson, ex-CDC director Nirav Shah, and several others looking to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Graham Platner’s exit from Maine’s US Senate race has kicked off a mad dash among Democratic hopefuls, all trying to build a case for themselves before the party’s convention, which needs to settle on a name before a July 27 ballot deadline.

Platner, 41, had built a strong following among progressives with a message focused on cutting healthcare costs, taxing wealthy Americans, and going after the political establishment. His campaign came to an end following a sexual assault allegation. Still, Maine’s political landscape isn’t purely progressive territory. Voters there also backed Kamala Harris in 2024, a sign that more moderate candidates can still find success in the state.

The Maine Democratic Party hasn’t released full details on how its convention will run, but a handful of names are already being floated as potential replacements to take on Republican Senator Susan Collins in December, as per a report from Bloomberg.

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