Maine Democrats prepare convention to replace suspended Senate nominee ahead of July deadlines

Graham Platner withdraws campaign, Maine Democrats move to select replacement

What happened: Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner suspended his campaign amid misconduct allegations, and Maine Democrats announced plans for a nominating convention to pick a replacement; party officials set a July 13 deadline for Platner to formally withdraw and July 27 to name a successor.

Where and who: The development affects the U.S. Senate race in Maine and was reported by Maine Democrats and the candidates who have since declared intentions to run.

When and key outcome: Platner suspended his campaign recently; the most important result is that the party must quickly select a new nominee to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November midterm election.

Several Democratic hopefuls announced interest ahead of or immediately after Platner’s suspension. Public health expert Nirav Shah, who finished close in the recent gubernatorial primary, called for a transparent selection process including a televised debate and multiple town halls.

Former state senator Troy Jackson, who campaigned with Platner and appeared with Senator Bernie Sanders during the primary, signaled his candidacy; Jackson had placed third in the primary race.

Jordan Wood, who ran for Maine’s U.S. House earlier this year, switched to the Senate contest and pledged a grassroots-funded campaign without corporate or lobbyist contributions.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows formally launched a Senate bid, invoking her previous 2014 challenge to Susan Collins and calling for unity among state Democrats.

Entrepreneur Dan Kleban, founder of Maine Beer Company, re-entered the contest after suspending an earlier bid, highlighting his small-business background and local employment record.

Speculation surrounds whether Governor Janet Mills, who suspended a Democratic primary campaign after Platner gained momentum, might reenter the race; Mills had Senate backing as an establishment candidate.

Actor Patrick Dempsey publicly dismissed talk of a run in a newspaper opinion piece, saying he can better serve the public through his current life and work.

Platner has indicated he will formally withdraw only if satisfied the state party will hold an open selection process; as of his suspension video he had not completed that step, leaving the July 13 deadline looming.

Maine Democrats plan a nominating convention with reportedly 600 delegates and face a condensed timeline to name a nominee and consolidate support ahead of the November election, where defeating Susan Collins is central to Democrats’ broader effort to change control of the U.S. Senate.