As speculation mounts over Graham Platner’s potential withdrawal from the Senate race, several Democrats are positioning themselves as possible replacements on the ballot against incumbent Susan Collins.
Graham Platner’s campaign for the U.S. Senate is facing increasing pressure following serious allegations made against him, leading to speculation about his potential withdrawal. If Platner formally steps down as the Democratic nominee by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party can select a replacement for the general election ballot through its internal process, with a new nominee required to be chosen by July 27.
Among those mentioned as potential candidates is Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president and gubernatorial candidate. Jackson, who recently filed paperwork to explore a Senate run, expressed his interest in stepping into the race if Platner withdraws. “This is something I never considered, but if Graham’s stepping away, I am very, very interested and think I’m the best person to replace him,” he told the Bangor Daily News.
Jackson, who previously finished third in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, is backed by Vermont independent Senator Bernie Sanders, aligning him with Platner’s political platform. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Dan Golden, who has represented Maine’s 2nd Congressional District since 2018, has distanced himself from speculation about a Senate run, opting instead to retire from Congress at the end of his term.
Another potential candidate is the 56-year-old son of Senator Angus King, who recently finished at the bottom of the pack in the gubernatorial primary. He stated, “Right now, I’m taking time to reflect, spend time with my family, and think carefully about how I can make the greatest contribution to the state I love.” His future political plans remain uncertain.
Current Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her Senate campaign earlier this year due to fundraising challenges, remains on the ballot after receiving 19.2% of the vote in the June primary, compared to Platner’s 72.1%.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is also being considered as a possible replacement. Bellows gained national attention during the 2024 election cycle for her efforts to remove former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot. She commented on Platner’s situation, stating, “While Graham ignited a powerful movement to challenge the status quo, given the seriousness of the allegations, he needs to step down.”
Former Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, who was the Democratic nominee in the 2020 election, is another name in the mix. Although polls had shown her leading against Collins, she ultimately lost by nine points. Additionally, social worker Paige Loud has filed as a Senate candidate for the 2026 midterm elections, indicating her readiness to step in if Platner drops out. “In light of the Platner situation, Paige is being proactive in keeping options open for supporters across the state who have voiced a desire for a woman to be considered as the nominee,” a spokesperson said.
Dr. Nirav Shah, who previously served as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is also being discussed as a potential candidate. Shah, who finished second in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, acknowledged the outpouring of support he has received since news of Platner’s situation broke. “In the past 24 hours, my team and I have received hundreds of encouraging messages,” he said, adding that he is evaluating whether to enter the Senate race.
Additionally, former chief of staff to Representative Katie Porter, Wood, is contemplating a return to the Senate race. After initially switching his focus to the U.S. House, he expressed interest in running again, stating, “I am continuing conversations with voters across Maine if I should enter an open Senate race.”
David Costello, who was the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine in the 2024 election, has also indicated his willingness to run again if Platner withdraws. He believes he is the best candidate to challenge Collins. Meanwhile, Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, is reportedly receiving encouragement to consider another run.
Under Maine law, the process for selecting a replacement candidate does not require a new primary election, leaving it to the internal rules of the Maine Democratic Party. Party leaders have stated their commitment to an open and inclusive process, although they have yet to detail how a replacement will be chosen.
In a recent statement, Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson emphasized the party’s dedication to ensuring that all voices are heard during this transition. “Unfortunately, Graham Platner’s team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate,” he said. “We have also reiterated that the focus in Maine can now focus on defeating Susan Collins this November as soon as Graham Platner formally withdraws from this race.”
As the situation develops, the Maine Democratic Party will need to navigate the complexities of replacing Platner while maintaining unity and focus on the upcoming election.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the unfolding events surrounding Platner’s campaign have set the stage for a competitive and potentially transformative Senate race in Maine.