Platner exit forces Maine Democrats to reset Senate race

Graham Platner said Wednesday he intends to suspend his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021, removing the Democratic nominee from a closely watched 2026 contest less than four months before Election Day. The decision leaves Maine Democrats with a compressed timetable to find a new challenger to five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins, a seat the party sees as central to its effort to take control of Congress from Republicans and reduce President Donald Trump’s influence in Washington.

Platner, an oysterman and military veteran, said in a statement that he was “suspending campaign operations” after his backing eroded and national fundraisers threatened to send money elsewhere. His withdrawal followed a break with close allies after the allegation surfaced.

The Maine Democratic Party voted Wednesday night to hold a nominating convention to select a replacement, according to the party. It said additional details on the convention would be released in the coming days.

Under Maine law, the party can replace Platner on the ballot by July 27. That deadline makes the internal selection process a near-term operational challenge for Democrats, who must settle on a nominee, organize support and raise funds while Republicans already have an incumbent on the ballot.

Replacement process begins

Several Democrats are positioning themselves for the nomination, though the party’s process remains unclear beyond the planned convention.

Dan Kleban, founder of Maine Beer Company and a candidate in the Democratic primary earlier this year, said Wednesday that he would seek the nomination again. Kleban framed his bid as a challenge to outside influence in Maine politics.

“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 said. “I’m ready to fight for Mainers and bring a new generation of leadership to Washington.”

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows also said she would consider entering the Senate race. Bellows recently lost the Democratic primary for governor. She previously challenged Collins in 2014 and lost by more than 30 percentage points.

Nirav Shah, a public health official who finished as runner-up in the governor’s race, has also expressed interest in joining the contest.

Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate leader from rural Aroostook County, has created an exploratory bid as he considers running. Jackson had been a close ally of Platner before the latest allegation. On Wednesday, Jackson released a poll showing him leading Collins.

National stakes

Platner’s departure changes a race that Democrats had expected to contest aggressively. His candidacy had been built around an appeal to working-class voters, including some who had moved toward Trump, and his primary victory made him the party’s nominee after a difficult campaign that included scrutiny of past conduct.

The Maine seat carries weight in the 2026 midterms because Democrats are trying to take Congress from Republicans. Collins, a long-serving Republican incumbent, gives the party an established opponent in a state Democrats are targeting. Platner’s exit means Democrats must now select a new nominee and rebuild a statewide campaign under a legal deadline set for later this month.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.