Maine Democrats race to find Senate candidate’s replacement Graham Plattner after he suspended his campaign sexual assault The accusations leave the party with little time to choose a new nominee before the November election.
Plattner announced on July 8 that he was suspending his campaign after saying he was “taking time to think about the best path forward.” He has until July 13 to officially withdraw from the race, after which Maine Democrats have until July 27 to name a replacement.
The development throws an already high-profile Senate race into uncertainty. Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, is seeking re-election, and Democrats view the race as a potential opportunity to flip Republican seats.
The Maine Democratic Party said on July 8 that it would hold a nominating convention to select a successor and promised to announce more details later. State law does not outline specific election procedures other than requiring party committees to make replacement nominations.
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Mark Brewer, a professor of political science at the University of Maine, told USA Today that Democrats have several options, including a party leadership decision, a convention or a filing process. “They can let the party leadership do it, right? Typical old-fashioned smoke-filled chamber politics,” Brewer said, adding that such a process would likely face criticism over transparency.
Troy Jackson emerges as early favorite
Among potential replacements, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is considered one of the top contenders.
Jackson, 58, announced on July 8 that he would seek the nomination. He is a logger from Allagash who served as president of the Maine Senate from 2018 to 2024 and previously ran unsuccessfully for governor.
Jackson and Plattner endorsed each other earlier this year, with Jackson receiving support from labor leaders and progressive groups associated with Our Revolution.
Jim Melcher, a political science professor at the University of Maine at Farmington, told USA TODAY that Jackson may appeal to Platner’s supporters because of his populist message and focus on labor issues.
“I think Troy Jackson is closest to Plattner in terms of his populism, his criticism of business, his emphasis on unions,” Melcher said.
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Former candidates and political veterans join the fray
Maine Secretary of State Shena Bellows is another possible contender. Bellows, 51, previously served in the Maine Senate and ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2014. She has called on Plattner to step down but has not yet announced her candidacy.
Former gubernatorial candidate Nirav Shah has also said he is considering running. Shah served as maineAs a public figure during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the possibility was being discussed with his family, team and constituents. He called for an open nomination process through debates and town halls.
Other names being discussed include former Senate candidate David Costello, Attorney General Aaron Frey, former Senate candidate Sarah Gideon and businessman Dan Kleban.
Maine Beer Co. co-founder Kleban said he would re-enter the race if selected. “I believe I can unite our party and ultimately defeat Susan Collins in November,” he wrote on social media.
Who else can compete?
Former Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended her Senate campaign earlier this year, remains a possible choice, although she has not said whether she will return.
Congressmen Jared Golden and Chellie Pingree were also mentioned, but neither expressed interest.
Actor Patrick Dempsey, a native of Maine, has ruled out a Senate run despite speculation. “I want someone who leads with empathy,” Dempsey wrote in an op-ed, adding that public office should be about “service.”
