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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race

Bellows is discussed as a possible contender, with the article recounting her statewide political history and recent gubernatorial campaign.

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race
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Outlet credibilityKCCI77/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 4, 2026
KCCI
Jul 9, 2026
tl;dr

With Graham Platner suspending his campaign, Maine Democrats are weighing alternatives to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, and the state party has until July 27 to select a nominee. Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah and Dan Kleban have announced Senate bids, while Shenna Bellows is also discussed as a possible contender.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

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

● INFORMATIONAL

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Possible Democratic Senate contender

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Dan Kleban
D · ME

Democratic Senate candidate

Kleban's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate

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

Potential Democratic Senate nominee

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

Republican senator and potential Democratic nominee’s opponent

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

Former presidential candidate whose 2024 ballot eligibility Bellows challenged

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who campaigned alongside Jackson and Platner during Jackson’s gubernatorial run

Outgoing Democratic Senate nominee

Governor and former preferred Democratic Senate candidate

ALSO MENTIONED  Hannah Pingree, Winner of this year’s gubernatorial election; Valli Geiger, Maine state representative whom Platner encouraged to consider running

Part of a bigger story

11 OUTLETS
Maine Democrats Consider Senate Candidates After Platner Suspends Campaign

Outlets agree that Graham Platner suspended his Senate campaign and Maine Democrats are considering replacements. Shenna Bellows is among the possible contenders. Left-leaning outlets frame the choice around Democrats’ ability to unite and defeat Susan Collins. Center outlets describe the potential contenders and emphasize the party’s July 27 deadline to choose a nominee.

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