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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race

Bellows is discussed as a possible Senate contender, with the article reviewing her previous campaign and gubernatorial results.

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race
Image · WESH

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Outlet credibilityWESH76/100 HIGH
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.

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

People in this story

SWIPE →

Maine secretary of state and possible Senate contender

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Dan Kleban
D · ME

Democratic candidate for the Senate nomination

Kleban's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate seeking the party’s nomination

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

Democratic candidate for the Senate nomination

Shah'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

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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