Maine Democrats set July deadlines to replace Platner in Senate race
What's next: hopefuls must file by July 15 and submit 500 signatures from at least eight counties by July 20.
Maine Democrats moved to fill their Senate ballot opening after Graham Platner's exit from the race, setting a rapid process for replacement candidates ahead of the November midterms. The state party late Thursday required contenders to submit a declaration and a 300-word statement on how they would run a grassroots campaign by July 15. Candidates also must collect at least 500 valid voter signatures from across Maine, including backing in at least eight counties, by July 20. Public health expert Nirav Shah, former state senator Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban have moved toward bids. It remains unclear whether Gov. Janet Mills will reenter the contest against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.