Democratic leaders and strategists are urging Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner to withdraw from the race following a sexual assault allegation. If Platner formally withdraws by July 13, the Maine Democratic Party can select a replacement nominee through its internal processes, with a deadline of July 27.
Several prominent Democrats in the state are being discussed as potential replacements to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner's campaign is reportedly considering a withdrawal, with any potential replacement needing to align with Platner's political platform.
Former state Senate President and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson has expressed interest in stepping into the race if Platner exits. Jackson, who shares endorsements with Platner from Sen. Bernie Sanders, filed paperwork to explore a Senate run shortly after his unsuccessful bid for governor. Jackson stated he believes he is the best person to replace Platner if he steps down.
U.S. Representative Jared Golden, who represents Maine's 2nd Congressional District, has also been mentioned. Golden, a moderate Marine veteran, is retiring from Congress at the end of his current term. A spokesperson for Golden, however, distanced the congressman from speculation about a Senate run.
Angus King III, son of Sen. Angus King and a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, is also considering a bid if Platner withdraws. He stated he is reflecting on how he can best contribute to the state.
Janet Mills, the current Democratic governor, suspended her Senate campaign in April 2025 due to fundraising challenges. Despite this, she appeared on the June primary ballot and received a significant portion of the vote.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who gained national attention for her role in attempting to remove President Donald Trump from the state's ballot, stated that given the seriousness of the allegations, Platner needs to step down.
Other individuals being considered or who have expressed interest include former Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, who was the Democratic nominee in 2020. Social worker Paige Loud, who ran in a congressional primary, has also filed as a Senate candidate, aiming to keep options open for supporters who desire a female nominee. Dr. Nirav Shah, a former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and principal deputy director at the CDC, is also being considered. Shah has indicated he is evaluating a potential Senate run.
Jordan Wood, who previously ran for the Senate before switching to a House bid, is also in conversations about entering an open Senate race. Former Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment David Costello, who was a previous Senate nominee, has also stated he is ready to run again if Platner withdraws.
Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban is also seen as a potential candidate, with reports indicating he has received encouragement to run. The Maine Democratic Party has stated its commitment to an open and inclusive process for selecting a replacement nominee and has reiterated its focus on defeating Sen. Collins in November.