A month after winning Maine’s Democratic primary, Graham Platner, an oyster farmer turned insurgent candidate, has suspended his campaign amid allegations from a former girlfriend accusing him of severe sexual assault in 2021. Platner denies the accusation as “categorically untrue.”

With Platner planning to file paperwork to withdraw, Maine Democrats face a July 27 deadline to select a replacement candidate to run against Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November Senate election, a race considered pivotal for Senate control. The state party announced it will hold a nominating convention to pick the new candidate.

Platner’s primary victory was notable for garnering more votes than any Democratic Senate candidate in Maine’s history, energizing a coalition that establishment favorite Governor Janet Mills did not match.

Among potential replacements, Troy Jackson, a logger and former state senate president who ran for governor this year with Bernie Sanders’ backing, is a leading contender. California Congressman Ro Khanna, previously an ally of Platner, publicly endorsed Jackson, describing him as “someone who has spent his life standing up for these progressive values.”

Another prospective candidate has stated she would “seriously consider entering this race,” claiming to be “uniquely fit to unite Mainers and defeat Susan Collins in just over 100 days.”

Announcing renewed interest in the race, another candidate framed the contest as a referendum on Collins, criticizing her for votes confirming judges who overturned federal abortion protections and supporting Donald Trump’s economic agenda. He cited widespread encouragement from Mainers and called for an “open, transparent process” to select the nominee within the next two weeks.

The outcome of this nomination process will shape the November contest against Collins, a race closely watched for its implications on Senate control.

Sources