The race to replace Graham Platner as Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee is heating up as candidates scramble to meet the Wednesday deadline for filing with the state party. This contest will determine who will face longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins. So far, eight Democrats have submitted their candidacy for the nomination, which will be decided by 601 voting delegates at the Maine Democratic Party’s convention on July 25.
Platner, a former candidate backed by progressive leader Bernie Sanders, had won the Democratic primary by a large margin. However, amidst several scandals, Platner withdrew from the race last week following allegations of rape. The Democratic Party in Maine faces a July 27 deadline to select a new nominee, with all 16 counties convening special nomination meetings this weekend to elect delegates. These delegates will gather on July 25 in Bangor to vote for the new nominee.
The organization built around Platner’s campaign will not automatically transfer to the party’s selected nominee.
An open letter from Platner’s grassroots organization emphasized that continued support depends on the new nominee adopting a list of core progressive commitments.
Key Candidates
The Democratic candidates who have announced their intentions to run offer diverse backgrounds and agendas.
- Nirav Shah: Shah previously directed the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and stepped down as principal deputy director of the federal CDC. Shah communicates a strong progressive message and invites Platner’s supporters to join his campaign.
- Troy Jackson: A former Maine Senate President and long-time logger, Jackson was endorsed by Bernie Sanders and aims to challenge the rigged system against working people.
- Shenna Bellows: Serving as Maine’s Secretary of State, Bellows emphasizes the need to flip the Senate and advocates for Medicare for all and workers’ rights.
- Jordan Wood: Wood stresses grassroots support, refusing corporate PAC money, and aims to build a campaign supported by the people of Maine.
- David Costello: A former Maryland Department of the Environment deputy secretary, this is Costello’s second Senate run this year after finishing third in the primary.
- Dan Kleban: Co-founder of the Maine Beer Company, Kleban emphasizes transparency and new leadership in his campaign.
- Paige Loud: A social worker advocating for maintaining grassroots momentum and ensuring that every Mainer has a voice.
- Elizabeth Dickerson: Former state representative and teacher, Dickerson focuses on addressing economic disparities and holds that power comes with responsibility.
The outcome of this nomination process is critical not only for the Democratic Party in Maine but also for the national Senate balance in the upcoming midterm elections.
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