Maine Democratic Party to Hold Convention After Graham Platner Withdraws from Senate Race

Graham Platner submitted his withdrawal paperwork to the Maine secretary of state on Friday, ending his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat. The Maine Democratic Party announced that a nominating convention will be held on July 25, with 601 delegates from all 16 counties tasked with choosing a new candidate for the November ballot.

In a letter posted to social media, Platner said the voters who nominated him wanted "a new kind of politics" that reflects ordinary Mainers rather than "billionaires, oligarchs, or the political establishment." He added that he hopes to "further the movement we have built together and the future we believe in," without specifying next steps.

The withdrawal follows allegations of sexual assault that Platner has denied and comes as Democrats seek a contender capable of challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a state viewed as pivotal for Senate control. Party chairman Charlie Dingman said delegates will select a nominee "who has the energy, ideas and popular support" to defeat Collins, and affirmed the party’s readiness to meet the "enormous" challenge.

State law allows the party to replace Platner before the general election, provided the new nominee is named by July 27. Several Democrats have already declared their interest, including former CDC director Nirav Shah, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, former congressional candidates Jordan Wood and Paige Loud, and former Senate candidates David Costello and Andrea LaFlamme. State Rep. Valli Geiger has expressed interest but has not formally entered the race.