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◆ Mixed look for ShahElections / Campaigns

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race

Shah announced a Senate campaign after his run for governor and pointed to his previous public service.

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

With Graham Platner suspending his Senate campaign, Maine Democrats are weighing replacements before the party’s July 27 deadline. Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah and Dan Kleban have announced bids, while Shenna Bellows is among the other potential contenders.

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Nirav Shah D · ME
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People in this story

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Nirav Shah
D · ME

Candidate for the Democratic Senate nomination

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Candidate for the Democratic Senate nomination

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

Candidate for the Democratic Senate nomination

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

Senator and prospective general-election opponent

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose administration tapped Shah for a national CDC position

Maine secretary of state and potential Senate contender

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who campaigned alongside Jackson and Platner

Suspended Senate campaign

Maine governor and former Senate candidate

ALSO MENTIONED  Hannah Pingree, Winner of the gubernatorial election referenced in the article; Valli Geiger, Maine state representative encouraged to consider running

Part of a bigger story

15 OUTLETS
Maine Democrats Enter Senate Race After Platner Suspends Campaign

Graham Platner suspended his Senate campaign, and Nirav Shah is among the Democrats being discussed as a replacement in the race against Susan Collins. Left-leaning outlets emphasize coalition unity and whether successors will carry Platner’s progressive agenda, including scrutiny of Shah’s record. Center outlets focus on the replacement field, Shah’s candidacy and the party’s deadline for choosing a nominee.

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