PORTLAND, Maine - The race to replace Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee is underway, with candidates required to file with the state party by Wednesday to appear on the ballot. Eight Democrats have filed to run for the nomination, which will be determined by 601 voting delegates at a convention held by the Maine Democratic Party on July 25.
Platner, who won the Democratic primary in June, recently withdrew from the race following allegations of rape. The Maine Democratic Party has announced that all 16 counties will hold special nomination meetings this weekend to elect delegates who will vote for the new nominee.
Candidates include: - Shah, former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who emphasized a welcoming message for Platner's supporters. - Jackson, a former Maine Senate President endorsed by Bernie Sanders, who highlighted the need to address systemic issues affecting working people. - Bellows, Maine's Secretary of State, who aims to focus on Medicare for all and workers' rights. - Wood, a former congressional staffer, who has committed to a grassroots campaign free from corporate funding. - Costello, who previously ran for the Senate nomination and is seeking to unite the party. - Kleban, a co-founder of the Maine Beer Company, who supports a transparent nomination process. - Loud, a social worker advocating for grassroots movements. - Dickerson, a former state representative, who aims to address economic disparities.
The nomination process is crucial as the Democratic Party seeks to unify its base ahead of the upcoming election against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.