Maine Democrats are rapidly assessing their options as Senate nominee Graham Platner faces intensifying calls to withdraw from the race following a rape allegation. Jenny Racicot, who says she dated Platner intermittently for years, alleged in a Politico report that he raped her in 2021. Platner has denied the accusation in a video statement, calling it “categorically false,” but acknowledged his campaign is “taking time to reflect on the best path forward.”
The allegation has triggered a wave of defections from Platner’s supporters. The Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, along with prominent figures like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have pulled their endorsements and urged him to step aside. Warren’s withdrawal of support was particularly notable given her stature in the party. The state party has until July 27 to select a replacement if Platner exits by Monday.
Potential Replacements
Several Maine Democrats are being floated as possible successors. Troy Jackson, the former Maine Senate president and a fifth-generation logger, is openly considering a bid. He filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to form an exploratory committee on Tuesday. Jackson, who previously ran for governor, told the Bangor Daily News he believes he is the “best person” to replace Platner. “This is something I never considered, but if Graham’s stepping away, I am very, very interested,” Jackson said. He has since called on Platner to withdraw. However, Platner endorsed Jackson in the governor’s race, which could become a liability.
Jackson’s platform includes universal free childcare for families earning below 125% of the state’s average income and a property tax commission. He has faced attacks over his abortion record, which Democrats have used as a key line against Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Jackson has pushed back, noting legislation he supported in the state Legislature expanded abortion access.
Another contender is Nirav Shah, former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who finished second in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Shah offered himself for consideration in a social media post, emphasizing that “our number one priority must be defeating Senator Susan Collins.” He called for a transparent nominating process and committed to a televised debate. Shah has touted his pandemic leadership and later role as principal deputy director at the U.S. CDC. Campaign finance data shows he was the fourth highest fundraiser in the state, behind gubernatorial candidates. However, Shah faced attacks during the primary over school choice and special interests. His campaign manager disputed claims he favors privatizing education, and Shah wrote an op-ed refuting allegations of ties to a “union-busting firm” or accepting funds from private equity or Big Pharma. He ultimately lost the primary after rivals coordinated ranked-choice voting against him.
Shah’s entry into the Senate race adds a layer of complexity, as he has already faced scrutiny in a statewide contest.
Shenna Bellows, Maine’s secretary of state, is also a potent candidate. She would be central to procedural changes if Platner drops out, but her own political ambitions are well known. Bellows finished third in the gubernatorial primary and has a strong base among progressive activists. Her role in overseeing the replacement process could create conflicts of interest, but she has not publicly commented on a potential bid.
The Democratic field remains fluid, with the party’s decision expected soon. The outcome will shape the race against Collins, who is seeking reelection. Our Revolution, the progressive group, has already endorsed Jackson, signaling a potential ideological battle within the party.
