Maine Beer Company Co-Founder Enters Race to Replace Senate Nominee

Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban said Wednesday he intends to replace the Democratic Senate nominee who has faced multiple endorsement withdrawals. Kleban stated he has been overwhelmed by calls urging him to re-enter the race and called for an open process over the next two weeks.

Background on the Vacancy The current nominee faces a July 13 deadline to withdraw so the party can place a replacement on the ballot. Democratic Party officials said no replacement process can begin until the campaign is suspended. The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 to choose a new nominee even though the primary has already occurred.

Kleban previously ran a short-lived Senate campaign before dropping out to endorse Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who later suspended her own campaign. >"I’m ready to fight for Mainers and bring a new generation of leadership to Washington. " — Dan Kleban, July 8, 2026 (The Washington Times) The seat is held by Republican Sen.

Susan Collins, whom Democrats view as one of the more vulnerable GOP incumbents this cycle. Campaign staff for the current nominee were told the nominee would address the future of the run Wednesday night, according to The Washington Post.