With Graham Platner's exit from Senate race looming, Democrats line up to replace him

July 10, 2026

Following misconduct allegations that ended Graham Platner's candidacy, multiple Democratic candidates are competing to replace him as Maine's US Senate nominee against Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Maine Democrats must meet tight deadlines—July 13th for Platner's withdrawal and July 27th to name his replacement through a convention process. Leading contenders include public health expert Nirav Shah, former state senator Troy Jackson, former House staff member Jordan Wood, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and businessman Dan Kleban, each positioning themselves as both aligned with Platner's populist policies and capable of defeating Collins.

Who is affected

Graham Platner (withdrawing candidate accused of misconduct)
Susan Collins (Republican incumbent Senator)
Democratic replacement candidates: Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, Jordan Wood, Shenna Bellows, Dan Kleban, and potentially Valli Geiger
Maine Democratic Party and its voters
Governor Janet Mills (suspended her primary campaign earlier)
Patrick Dempsey (declined to run)
National Democratic Party seeking Senate control
President Donald Trump (whose power Democrats aim to check)

What action is being taken

Maine Democrats are planning to hold a convention to select a replacement candidate
Multiple candidates (Shah, Jackson, Wood, Bellows, and Kleban) are actively announcing their candidacies and campaigning
Shah is calling for a transparent selection process including televised debates and town halls
Wood has pledged to run a grassroots-funded campaign without corporate or lobbyist contributions

Why it matters

This Senate race is pivotal to Democrats' efforts to win control of the US Senate in the midterm elections, which would allow them to impose checks on President Trump's power. Democrats face a difficult path requiring them to unseat Collins—the longest-serving Republican woman in the Senate—while simultaneously holding all their existing seats and gaining three additional seats nationwide. The outcome in Maine could determine whether Democrats achieve a Senate majority.

What's next

July 13th deadline for Platner to officially withdraw from the race
July 27th deadline for Democrats to name a replacement candidate
Maine Democratic convention to select the nominee
November congressional/midterm elections where the chosen candidate will face Susan Collins

Read full article from source: BBC