With Graham Platner's exit from Senate race looming, Democrats line up to replace him
Democrats in Maine are already competing to get their name on the ballot and take on incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
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Notable Quotes
"our number one priority must be defeating Susan Collins"
— Nirav Shah , Academic
Key People
Dan Kleban is the founder of the Maine Beer Company and a candidate for the Senate from Maine.
Senate candidate and oyster farmer who won the Democratic primary in Maine.
Governor of Maine who dropped out of the Senate race.
Nirav Shah is a public health expert and a candidate for the Senate from Maine.
Patrick Dempsey is an actor and co-star of Grey's Anatomy with Eric Dane.
Shenna Bellows is the Maine Secretary of State and is running for the Senate seat.
Longtime Republican Senator from Maine who has served nearly 30 years.
Troy Jackson is a former state senator from Maine who is running for the Senate seat.
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Democrats in Maine are already competing to get their name on the ballot and take on incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
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Top Democrats press Maine senate candidate to drop out of race over sexual assault allegation
Graham Platner denied the allegation, calling it "categorically false" but said he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" in the race.
July 7, 2026 at 03:04 AMBernie Sanders urges Platner to quit Maine Senate race as Democrats vie to succeed him - Reuters
Bernie Sanders urges Platner to quit Maine Senate race as Democrats vie to succeed him Reuters
July 7, 2026 at 11:53 PMMaine Senate candidate Graham Platner formally withdraws from race - Reuters
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner formally withdraws from race Reuters
July 10, 2026 at 10:42 PMPlatner's disastrous candidacy exposes rifts that could dampen Democrats' Senate hopes
Along with creating tumult in a must-win race for Democrats, Graham Platner's exit is laying bare division between the party's left wing and moderates.
July 9, 2026 at 06:28 AMDemocrat Graham Platner suspends campaign for key US Senate race after assault allegation
The decision came days after a woman accused him of sexual assault, an accusation he says is "categorically false".
July 9, 2026 at 02:18 AMDemocratic Party leaders urge Platner to end Senate campaign amid sexual assault allegations - Reuters
Democratic Party leaders urge Platner to end Senate campaign amid sexual assault allegations Reuters
July 6, 2026 at 08:23 PM