Graham Platner, who secured the Democratic nomination for Senate in Maine in early June, may still be replaced on the ballot. If Platner withdraws by next Monday, Maine’s state Democratic Party must select a replacement by July 27.
The situation is complex following a report by Politico alleging Platner sexually assaulted a former partner. Although he denied the accusation, he is considering his political future.
Maine law does not specify a procedure for replacing a candidate, as noted by Kate McBrien, chief of staff to Shenna Bellows, Maine’s secretary of state. Currently, there is no precedent in the state for replacing a candidate after winning a primary.
Charles Dingman, chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, along with other leaders, publicly urged Platner to resign. Discussions are ongoing among top officials about possible replacement procedures. Options include organizing a convention on the weekend of July 25 or holding a statewide caucus, akin to redoing the primary election. However, the party’s committee of about 100 members will not make the selection.
If Platner steps down, potential candidates include previous gubernatorial candidates like Ms. Bellows, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, and former public health agency director Nirav Shah. Jordan Wood, who lost a primary for a northern Maine House district, is also a contender. Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign earlier due to fundraising issues, is considered an unlikely choice, as she did not comment on the matter.
The decision-making process will be challenging and influential in determining the course of the upcoming election.