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.
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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.
