The race to select a replacement for Graham Platner as Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee is underway, with several candidates announcing their intentions to run. The candidates include former state senator Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah, former Capitol Hill staffer Jordan Wood, former congressional candidate Paige Loud, and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban. Candidates must formally declare by July 15, and the Maine Democratic Party will hold a convention to select the nominee by July 27.
Jackson, Shah, and Bellows previously ran for governor but lost the nomination to Hannah Pingree. Shah has begun campaigning with a tour called "Defeat Susan Collins Town Halls," while Wood has shared campaign activities on social media. Jackson leads in endorsements, receiving support from Bernie Sanders, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Our Revolution. He has a strong social media presence and has publicly supported Medicare for All and an anti-Israel stance.
Bellows has been less active on social media, while Shah claims his gubernatorial campaign experience makes him a strong candidate. Kleban, who previously ran for Senate, has a limited social media presence but has stated he would condition arms sales to Israel. Wood, who has a smaller following, has criticized the Democratic establishment and advocates for progressive policies. Loud, who identifies as a democratic socialist, faces challenges in gaining traction for her campaign.