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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Who are the top contenders to replace Graham Platner? Maine Senate race explained

Jackson announced he would seek the nomination and is described as an early favorite among the possible replacements.

Who are the top contenders to replace Graham Platner? Maine Senate race explained
Image · Hindustan Times

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Outlet credibilityHindustan Times73/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
tl;dr

Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegations, prompting Democrats to find a replacement before the November election. Former state Senate President Troy Jackson is among the contenders and has announced he will seek the nomination.

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VOTING CLOSED
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Troy Jackson D · ME
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No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Jackson in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Jackson’s record.

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Senate candidate seeking the Democratic nomination

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Nirav Shah
D · ME

Former gubernatorial candidate considering the Senate race

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Republican senator seeking another term

Representative mentioned as a possible Senate contender

Maine secretary of state and possible Senate contender

Former Senate candidate mentioned as a possible contender

Dan Kleban
D · ME

Businessman and former Senate candidate who said he would re-enter if selected

Former Senate candidate mentioned as a possible contender

Representative mentioned as a possible Senate contender

Senate candidate whose campaign suspension prompted the search for a replacement

Former Maine governor and suspended Senate candidate mentioned as a possible option

ALSO MENTIONED  Aaron Frey, Maine attorney general mentioned as a possible contender; Patrick Dempsey, Actor who ruled out a Senate run

Part of a bigger story

27 OUTLETS
Maine Democrats Prepare to Select Graham Platner’s Replacement

Outlets agree Graham Platner suspended his Senate campaign and Maine Democrats are considering a replacement; Troy Jackson has announced a bid for the nomination. Left-leaning outlets focus on balancing appeals to Platner’s supporters with distinctions from him. Center outlets mostly map Jackson’s bid among other contenders and the party’s nomination process. Right-leaning outlets cast the replacement effort as Democratic dysfunction and scrutinize Jackson’s credibility and political backing.

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