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◆ Mixed look for PlatnerElections / Campaigns

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race

Platner’s decision to suspend his campaign triggered the search for a replacement nominee.

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

After Graham Platner said he was suspending his campaign, Maine Democrats began considering replacements for the Senate race against Susan Collins, with Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah and Dan Kleban announcing bids. The state party has until July 27 to choose an alternative nominee.

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Outgoing Democratic Senate nominee

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Potential Democratic Senate contender

Bellows's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate

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

Democratic Senate candidate

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

Republican senator whom the Democratic nominee would challenge

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States
Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who campaigned alongside Jackson and Platner

Dan Kleban
D · ME

Democratic Senate candidate

Maine governor and former Democratic Senate candidate

ALSO MENTIONED  Hannah Pingree, Winner of the gubernatorial election; Valli Geiger, Maine state representative and possible Senate contender

Part of a bigger story

48 OUTLETS
Graham Platner Leaves Maine Senate Race

Outlets agree Graham Platner exited Maine’s Senate race, and Democrats are seeking a replacement to challenge Susan Collins. Left-leaning outlets frame his departure as a potential relief for Democrats and a continuing challenge for Collins. Center outlets emphasize Republicans’ improved Senate outlook and Democrats’ effort to choose a replacement, with some also focusing on party conflict. Right-leaning outlets often fault Democrats who backed Platner, while some assess how his departure could affect Collins.

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