Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D) announced on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, that she is withdrawing from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race in the Pine Tree State. Bellows made the decision a little more than a week after launching her campaign, stating that "Donald Trump’s attacks on our democracy are only accelerating, and the best way that I can serve our state and country at this moment is by focusing exclusively on my role as Secretary of State."

Bellows was competing to replace Graham Platner, who abruptly ended his campaign following multiple scandals, including accusations of rape by two women, a tattoo resembling a Nazi Totenkopf, and past racist remarks. Platner’s withdrawal has led to a special nomination process, with 601 delegates set to vote on July 25th to select the new Democratic nominee.

York County Democratic Party Chairwoman Kathie Purdy announced Bellows' withdrawal as Democrats gathered to cast ballots for delegates to the upcoming state convention, a moment that elicited gasps from the crowd. Bellows expressed gratitude to volunteers and emphasized the urgency for Democrats to unify around the goal of defeating incumbent GOP Senator Susan Collins in the November election.

Meanwhile, former state Senate President Troy Jackson is gaining significant support and currently leads in the polls to become the Democratic nominee. Jackson’s slate of delegates secured nearly all available slots in recent county meetings, though delegates are not bound to support him at the convention. Physician Nirav Shah, a former Maine public health official, remains another top contender.

Jackson expressed confidence on Sunday morning, suggesting that if the momentum continues, other candidates might drop out before the convention, effectively clearing his path to the nomination.

Bellows, who previously ran for Senate in 2014, will continue her duties as Secretary of State, a role that requires her to tabulate all election returns within 20 days after an election and submit certified results to the governor.

Sources