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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 and is presented as a possible alternative to Platner.

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

Graham Platner’s decision to suspend his Maine Senate campaign has prompted Democrats to consider alternatives before the party’s July 27 deadline. Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah and Dan Kleban have announced campaigns, while Shenna Bellows is among those being discussed.

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How does this story look for
Nirav Shah D · ME
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People in this story

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Nirav Shah
D · ME

Democratic candidate for the Senate nomination

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Dan Kleban
D · ME

Democratic candidate for the Senate nomination

Kleban's version of this story ↗

Maine secretary of state and possible Senate contender

Bellows's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate seeking the party’s nomination

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

Republican senator whom the prospective Democratic candidates would challenge

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

Former president referenced in connection with Shah’s federal health appointment

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who campaigned alongside Jackson during Jackson’s gubernatorial run

Democratic Senate nominee who suspended his campaign

Maine governor who appointed Shah to lead the state health agency

ALSO MENTIONED  Hannah Pingree, Winner of the gubernatorial election discussed in the article; Valli Geiger, Maine state representative whom Platner 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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