Maine Democrats race to replace Senate nominee after Platner exits
What's next: Party leaders have until July 27 to settle on a new challenger to Sen. Susan Collins.
Maine Democrats are scrambling to replace their U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner dropped out following sexual assault allegations, reopening a high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The party now faces pressure to quickly choose a replacement before a July 27 deadline. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has emerged as a possible contender, though debate continues inside the party over whether leaders should coalesce around one candidate or open the process more broadly. Platner, whose candidacy had already stirred divisions, blamed the media and party establishment as he exited the race.