Maine Democratic Party leaders are evaluating alternative options for the US Senate race as nominee Graham Platner faces widespread demands to withdraw following a sexual assault allegation reported on Monday.
Top Democrats have pulled endorsements, and the primary Senate fundraising vehicle has halted spending on the race, which is critical for Democrats aiming to regain control of the upper chamber from Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
Replacement Process and Potential Candidates
State law requires Platner to end his campaign by Monday, July 13, at 5 p. m.
ET to allow a new nominee on the November ballot, giving the party a two-week window until July 27 to choose a replacement.
Potential contenders include former Maine CDC deputy director Nirav Shah, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former State Senate President Troy Jackson, who all called for Platner's resignation.
"For too long, women who survive sexual violence have been told to stay quiet, to protect the men who hurt them, to think about the campaign, the party, the cause," Jackson said.
Jackson, a logger and former state lawmaker, previously campaigned with Platner but immediately shifted his stance after the allegations surfaced.
"We cannot ask women to trust us with their futures while looking the other way when one of our own hurts them," he added.
Jackson told the Bangor Daily News that while he had not previously considered entering the race, he remains highly interested if Platner steps down.
"I myself have been approached and have received hundreds of encouraging messages from folks across the state. Right now, my family and I are evaluating things," Shah said.
Shah and Bellows reportedly received numerous calls of support on Monday as potential replacements, prompting discussions regarding the fairness of the party selection process.
"If a process for selecting a new nominee becomes necessary, it will be open, transparent, and inclusive," said Devon Murphy-Anderson, Maine Democratic Party executive director.
Party officials expressed concern over a closed-door selection, emphasizing the need for an inclusive procedure that mimics a competitive primary system.
"The party hopes that we have broad participation of Mainers and Democratic voters in what happens next.
In no scenario is there a legal possibility for a nominee to be selected by an individual campaign," Murphy-Anderson said.
Platner has denied the allegations but stated he is reflecting on the best path forward for his campaign.
