Graham Platner Withdraws from Maine Senate Race, Leaving Democrats to Choose Replacement Before July 27

Graham Platner withdrew from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine on Friday, July 10, 2026. In a letter to the Maine secretary of state, Platner said he stepped aside to allow the coalition he helped build to continue its work against Republican incumbent Sen.

Susan Collins. He listed the priorities as Medicare for All, banning billionaires from buying elections, and an end to taxpayer-funded genocide and foreign wars. Platner signed the letter with the phrases “F—- Ice.

Maine law required the withdrawal before Monday to keep the option of replacing him on the ballot by July 27. Party officials are now organizing a convention where delegates will choose the successor. Candidates must collect at least 500 signatures, including at least 50 from each of eight of Maine’s 16 counties.

The likely contenders are Nirav Shah, former Senate President Troy Jackson, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, all of whom lost last month’s gubernatorial primary. Jordan Wood, who placed second in the 2nd Congressional District primary, and Dan Kleban, owner of Maine Beer Company, are also seeking the nomination. Kleban had briefly run for the Senate nomination before endorsing Gov.

Janet Mills, who dropped out in April 2026.