Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Ends Senate Campaign as Troy Jackson Gains Delegate Support

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced Sunday that she is ending her campaign for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, saying the decision allows her to concentrate on her responsibilities amid what she described as heightened attacks on democracy. The withdrawal came as former state Senate President Troy Jackson continued to amass delegate support in county meetings across the state.

York County Democratic Party Chairwoman Kathie Purdy disclosed Bellows' exit during a gathering of delegates who were selecting representatives for next week’s state convention, where the party will choose its nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Jackson’s slate of delegates captured nearly all of the available slots, though the delegates are not bound to vote for him at the convention.

Jackson told reporters that the recent county meetings represented a significant step in the nomination process and that the campaign remains ongoing. He suggested that the field could narrow further before the convention, noting that several candidates had indicated they might withdraw.

Physician Nirav Shah, another leading contender, has emphasized his perceived electability against Collins. In a recent interview, Shah said he believes his statewide appeal exceeds Jackson’s, referencing Jackson’s third-place finish in the primary and lower first-choice vote totals.

All three candidates—Jackson, Shah and Bellows—previously ran for governor and share progressive policy positions, including support for Medicare for All and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Jackson highlighted his union-organizing background as a campaign strength, describing efforts to contact delegates and provide information as a priority. Other candidates, such as former congressional staffer Jordan Wood and Maine Beer Co. owner Dan Kleban, said they will remain in the race and noted the fluid nature of the delegate process.

Some party members who previously supported Bellows expressed willingness to back Jackson if he emerges as the nominee, emphasizing the importance of effective organization for the general-election campaign.