Maine state Rep. Valli Geiger, a Democrat from Rockland, has become a focal point in the state's Senate race following Democratic nominee Graham Platner's announcement that he is suspending his campaign. Geiger, a former nurse and mayor, stated that Platner contacted her and encouraged her to consider taking his place on the ballot.
Platner announced his withdrawal from the race on Wednesday evening. Geiger, currently serving her third term as a state representative, confirmed Platner had praised her as a "fighter" and suggested she consider running for his position on the ballot. Platner has denied making such a claim.
Geiger, who represents a coastal House district, serves on the Labor Committee and the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. Her prior public service includes six years on the Rockland City Council, including one year as mayor, and four years on the Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission. She holds a master’s degree in sustainable design and previously worked as a nurse at Pen Bay Medical Center, a health policy analyst, and a health administrator.
Prior to this recent development, Geiger was described as a close supporter of Platner. She had previously stood with him and credited him with assisting in securing funding for rape kit tracking in Maine. In a Facebook post addressing an allegation of rape against Platner by Jenny Racicot, Geiger stated that Racicot's story "seems credible" but acknowledged that "none of us knows the truth nor will we ever."
Geiger also referred to Platner as "a man becoming a better man" and expressed hope that he would lead the political movement his campaign had built, stating she would not "throw Graham under the bus." She commended his "passion for economic populism" and noted she had given him "an enormous amount of grace" for his past behavior following multiple military deployments.
Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party can select a new nominee through its internal process by July 27. Several other Democrats, including former gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, are also reportedly being considered or have expressed interest in replacing Platner on the ballot to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.