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Who will replace Graham Platner in Maine's US Senate race?

Platner’s planned withdrawal prompted Democrats to seek a replacement nominee for the Senate race.

Who will replace Graham Platner in Maine's US Senate race?
Image · Chicago Tribune

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Outlet credibilityChicago Tribune82/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
tl;dr

Graham Platner said he would withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Maine’s U.S. Senate race after a sexual assault allegation, which he denies. Potential replacements began announcing campaigns as Democrats prepare to select a candidate to face Sen. Susan Collins.

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Democratic Senate candidate who announced he intends to withdraw

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Nirav Shah
D · ME

Democratic Senate candidate who announced his campaign

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Republican incumbent whom the Democratic nominee will face

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President of the United States, mentioned in relation to Maine politics

Democratic Senate candidate who announced his campaign

Maine secretary of state and Senate candidate

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

U.S. senator whose organization backed Jackson

Dan Kleban
D · ME

Democratic Senate candidate who confirmed his candidacy

Democratic Senate candidate who re-entered the race

Maine state auditor mentioned as the winner of Wood’s previous congressional race

Democratic Senate candidate who launched a campaign

Paige Loud
D · ME

Senate candidate who filed paperwork to run

Maine governor and possible Senate candidate

ALSO MENTIONED  Valli Geiger, Maine Democratic lawmaker and possible Senate candidate

Part of a bigger story

58 OUTLETS
Graham Platner Withdraws From Maine Senate Race

Outlets report that a woman accused Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault, which he denied, and that the allegation prompted calls for him to leave the race. Later coverage reports that he suspended or withdrew from his campaign. Left-leaning outlets focus on candidate accountability, electoral stakes and the process for choosing a replacement. Center outlets track the allegation, Platner’s denial and Democratic officials’ response, including the campaign’s political risks. Right-leaning outlets more often cast the episode as Democratic hypocrisy or party failure, while also following the political fallout.

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