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◆ Mixed look for JacksonElections / Campaigns

These Maine Democrats could run to replace Platner in Senate race

Jackson announced he would run for the Senate nomination as Democrats search for a replacement candidate.

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

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Outlet credibilityWESH77/100 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

15 VOTES
How does this story look for
Troy Jackson D · ME
● OPEN

People in this story

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Democratic Senate candidate seeking the party’s 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 ↗
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

27 OUTLETS
Maine Democrats Prepare to Select Graham Platner’s Replacement

Outlets agree Graham Platner suspended his Senate campaign and Maine Democrats are considering a replacement; Troy Jackson has announced a bid for the nomination. Left-leaning outlets focus on balancing appeals to Platner’s supporters with distinctions from him. Center outlets mostly map Jackson’s bid among other contenders and the party’s nomination process. Right-leaning outlets cast the replacement effort as Democratic dysfunction and scrutinize Jackson’s credibility and political backing.

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