Election 2026 Maine Senate

Campaign signs for former Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Graham Platner are seen at his headquarters Thursday, July 9, 2026, in Ellsworth, Maine.

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Maine Democrats running to replace Platner as Senate nominee scramble to woo his voters

Maine Democrats running to replace Platner as Senate nominee scramble to woo his voters

Democrats hoping to replace Graham Platner on the Maine ballot for U.S. Senate are scrambling to woo his supporters. Those Democrats also are trying to turn focus away from Platner to the November election against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner dropped out of the race after an accusation of sexual assault, which he denies. Platner's replacement will be chosen at a Maine Democratic Party convention on July 25. The process to pick a new nominee is unprecedented, with less than three weeks to organize. Candidates must gather 500 signatures to qualify for the convention vote of 601 delegates. The recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement shooting in Maine has also become a key issue.