Maine brewery owner enters Senate race after candidate faces rape accusations

A Maine brewery owner announced Wednesday that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate after accusations of rape were made against the party's current candidate. Dan Kleban, owner of Maine Beer Company in Freeport, published a Substack post expressing interest in replacing Graham Platner.

Kleban had suspended his own Senate campaign last October to endorse Maine Gov. Janet Mills. Mills suspended her campaign in April, citing insufficient financial resources and leaving Platner without a primary challenger.

Accusations prompt endorsements to withdraw Two of Platner's ex-girlfriends accused him of rape earlier this week. More than a dozen Democratic senators and aligned groups withdrew their endorsements of his campaign. Platner has not officially suspended his campaign. Supporters have called for a replacement candidate who shares similar policy positions.

Kleban outlines platform and timeline Kleban previously raised $458,786 for the Democratic primary. He said his policy positions align with Platner's agenda. "I've spent years talking to Mainers over a beer in our taproom and throughout the community.

We're all sick and tired of a system that's been rigged by corporate interests, and we've had enough meddling from Washington establishment insiders and New York City consultants trying to dictate who represents us," Kleban wrote. He added that an open process is needed over the next two weeks to select a nominee.

Other potential replacements mentioned include former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention director Nirav Shah, former state senator Shenna Bellows, and Jordan Wood, former chief of staff to ex-Rep. Katie Porter.