Maine Democratic Party Seeks Senate Candidate Replacement by July 27 Deadline

m. to name a replacement candidate for the U.S. Senate if Graham Platner withdraws from the general election ballot. Platner has until July 13 to remove his name under state law. Platner won the Democratic primary last month with 72 percent of the vote.

A woman he previously dated told Politico and CNN that he sexually assaulted her in 2021; Platner denied the allegation on Monday.

The Maine Democratic Party would likely hold a nominating convention if Platner withdraws, according to Dan Shea, a political science professor at Colby College. Murphy-Anderson stated in a memo that leadership is consulting legal counsel and has not yet decided how a replacement would be chosen. The party has accused Platner's campaign of attempting to influence the selection process.

Former state Senate President Troy Jackson filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to form an exploratory committee. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said she will seriously consider entering the race. Former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav Shah has received messages of encouragement and called for a televised debate in any selection process.

Maine Beer Company cofounder Dan Kleban announced Wednesday that he is in the race to replace Platner. State Rep. Valli Geiger said Platner called her two days earlier and expressed support for her candidacy. Platner's campaign has denied allegations of misconduct but apologized for past comments, citing PTSD from military service.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has said it will not invest in his candidacy.