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◆ Mixed look for BellowsElections / Campaigns

Who Could Replace Graham Platner In Maine's Senate Race?

Bellows announced she would seek the Democratic Senate nomination to replace Platner.

Who Could Replace Graham Platner In Maine's Senate Race?
Image · The Daily Caller

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Outlet credibilityThe Daily Caller53/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
tl;dr

Graham Platner’s suspension of his Maine Senate campaign prompted several Democrats to consider or announce bids to replace him. Troy Jackson filed paperwork for an exploratory committee, while Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows and Dan Kleban announced Senate campaigns.

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Democratic Senate candidate

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Democratic Senate candidate considering a bid to replace Platner

Jackson's version of this story ↗
Dan Kleban
D · ME

Democratic Senate candidate

Kleban'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 several Democratic candidates say they aim to defeat

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President referenced in Shah’s campaign statement and Bellows’s political history

Maine representative whose retirement opened a House seat

Democratic candidate who reentered the Senate contest

Katie Porter
Former U.S. Representative (D-CA)

Former representative for whom Wood previously served as chief of staff

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who endorsed Jackson in the Democratic gubernatorial primary

State senator who finished ahead of Wood in the Democratic House primary

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader who lobbied Mills to enter the Senate race

Maine state auditor who secured the Democratic House nomination

Senate candidate whose campaign suspension prompted discussion of potential successors

Maine governor and former Senate candidate whose campaign was suspended

ALSO MENTIONED  Hannah Pingree, Former Maine House speaker and Democratic gubernatorial candidate; John Baldacci, Former Maine governor and brother of state senator Joseph Baldacci; Patrick Dempsey, Actor who said he would not seek the Democratic Senate nomination

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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