Maine Democrats scramble to replace Platner in key Senate race
What's next: Democrats must pick a new nominee by July 27 to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a pivotal midterm contest.
Maine Democrats are rushing to replace Senate candidate Graham Platner after he withdrew from the race, throwing one of the party’s top midterm pickup opportunities into turmoil. The scramble comes as Democrats again try to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, a five-term incumbent long seen as difficult to beat despite past polling scares. Commentary across the political spectrum has centered on how Platner survived earlier controversies before leaving the contest, deepening questions about vetting and party divisions. The replacement fight now shifts to the state party’s nominating process as potential candidates weigh bids ahead of a July 27 deadline.