Democrats aiming to replace Graham Platner, the former nominee for the Maine Senate, embraced key parts of his progressive platform during a recent debate. These included calls to abolish ICE, support for Medicare for all, economic populism, and criticism of Israel.
Graham Platner’s withdrawal, following allegations of rape which he denies, has not shifted Democratic focus away from the agenda that helped him win a decisive primary victory. With only a few days remaining, Democrats must select a candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
All candidates in the debate supported abolishing ICE. The discussion took place soon after the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old father in Biddeford, Maine. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who previously ran for governor, expressed outrage over the incident.
Nirav Shah, a past runner-up in the gubernatorial caucus, stated, “I am beyond furious about the murder that happened in our streets.” He has criticized ICE, claiming it cannot be reformed. Troy Jackson, a former Maine Senate president, also supported abolishing ICE, arguing “it’s a rogue agency.”
Several other candidates, including former congressional staffer Jordan Wood, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, and Senate candidate David Costello, echoed the call to end ICE. Costello labeled ICE as a “political instrument” of the Trump administration.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that the driver involved in the Biddeford shooting attempted to flee. The office of Maine’s attorney general, the FBI, and the DHS inspector general are investigating. The man who died was not the target of the enforcement action.
The shooting in Biddeford came just days after a similar incident in Houston, Texas. Four Democratic candidates joined demonstrators in Biddeford and Shah held a press conference near the shooting site, criticizing Susan Collins for increasing ICE’s budget.
During the debate, candidates reiterated Platner’s economic populism and critique of foreign aid to Israel. They were asked what aspects of Platner’s plan they planned to support.
Troy Jackson highlighted healthcare, advocating for Medicare for all, and criticized tax policies favoring the wealthy. Nirav Shah and others noted overlaps in their political views with Platner’s, especially regarding ICE. Jordan Wood mentioned human rights and Palestinian statehood. Shenna Bellows spoke on how power in Washington has been corrupted by billionaires and corporations.
Platner, backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and known for his populist views, had previously won the Democratic primary by a large margin. However, scandals forced his withdrawal, as top Democrats called for his immediate exit following the release of a rape allegation, which he denied.
The Maine Democratic Party faces a July 27 deadline to certify Platner’s replacement. A nominating convention with 601 delegates will be held on July 25 in Bangor. Thirteen candidates filed for the nomination, with one withdrawing promptly. Candidates must gather signatures from registered Maine Democrats by July 25 to qualify.