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'This is Game of Thrones right now:' Platner isn't out yet, but Maine Dems are moving on

Jackson filed paperwork to create a Senate exploratory committee and said he was considering a run.

'This is Game of Thrones right now:' Platner isn't out yet, but Maine Dems are moving on
Image · The Boston Globe

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Outlet credibilityThe Boston Globe83/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
tl;dr

Maine Democrats are preparing a process to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner if he withdraws, as potential contenders jockey for support. Troy Jackson has formed an exploratory committee, while Nirav Shah and Shenna Bellows have expressed interest.

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Troy Jackson D · ME
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Maine Senate candidate considering replacing Platner

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Maine Senate nominee whose possible withdrawal and reported conduct prompted Democrats to plan for a replacement

Platner's version of this story ↗
Nirav Shah
D · ME

Potential Senate contender advocating for an open selection process

Shah's version of this story ↗
Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Republican senator whom Democrats hope to defeat

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose 2024 ballot eligibility was challenged by Bellows

Maine representative who commented on Racicot’s account but did not express interest in running

Former congressional staffer who expressed interest in the Senate race

Maine secretary of state who confirmed interest in the Senate race

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Vermont senator whose supporters back Jackson

Dan Kleban
D · ME

Potential Senate contender who previously left the race

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader who backed Mills in her earlier Senate campaign

Maine governor and former Senate contender who has not commented on the developments

Ro Khanna
D · CA-17

California representative who praised Jackson as a possible successor

ALSO MENTIONED  Hannah Pingree, Winner of the Maine ranked-choice gubernatorial primary

Part of a bigger story

12 OUTLETS
Troy Jackson Enters Maine Senate Race to Replace Graham Platner

Maine Democrats were weighing replacements for Graham Platner, and Troy Jackson had expressed interest and taken preliminary steps toward a Senate bid. Left-leaning outlets connect the replacement process to party divisions and the Senate race’s stakes. Center outlets focus on candidate jockeying and the process for replacing Platner. Right-leaning outlets mostly survey possible replacements, while one article foregrounds a disputed allegation about Jackson’s past conduct.

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