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2026 Maine Senate
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Last Update: 09/22/2026 at 11:35 PM EST
Maine Democrats Rebuild Senate Challenge
Coverage from Memesita, The New York Times, and others
Maine Democrats are rebuilding their 2026 Senate challenge to Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew amid disputed sexual misconduct allegations.
Troy Jackson has emerged as the leading replacement contender, while an accelerated delegate process tests party unity, ballot access, vetting, and progressive coalition-building.
Looking Back
15 Day Timeline
Jul 15
Jul 25
Aug 4
Aug 16
Aug 26
Sep 5
Sep 15
History
09/08/2026
Troy Jackson has moved from one of several leading contenders to the apparent frontrunner, while new concerns over Maine’s sore loser law and possible Republican ballot challenges add uncertainty to the replacement process.
All Articles68 articles
Important
Maine Democrats began selecting a Senate replacement after Graham Platner withdrew July 8, 2026, with a July 27 deadline and signature-based candidate criteria.
7/19/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After Graham Platner withdrew, Maine People Powered Movement activists organized delegates and candidate support around a platform aimed at defeating Susan Collins.
7/18/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Senate replacement candidates prepare for a July 25 delegate vote after Graham Platner withdrew, with debate focus on ICE policy and Medicare for All ahead of a 2026 challenge to Susan Collins.
7/17/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine, Democratic socialist candidate Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Senate contest after adverse media coverage and weaker polling among non-college voters threatened his working-class pitch.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner's withdrawn 2026 Maine Senate run is assessed through abuse allegations, Sanders-style policy positions, and polling showing non-college voter support for Susan Collins.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate race after allegations and polling trends cited amid assessments of far-left appeal beyond urban strongholds.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine, Graham Platner withdrew from the Senate race against Susan Collins after allegations and vetting concerns reduced support, with polling showing a non-college advantage for Collins.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will convene July 25 in Bangor to choose a replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, with Troy Jackson leading labor-backed support amid immigration enforcement clashes.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate race after abuse allegations and shifting support, while polls showed non-college voters favoring Susan Collins.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race after biography scrutiny and abuse allegations, as referenced polling showed Susan Collins ahead among non-college voters.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner's 2026 Maine Senate bid ended after abuse allegations and withdrawal, with polling cited showing Collins favored among non-college voters.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will hold a July 25 Bangor convention to choose a Senate nominee replacement for November ballot access after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will select delegates across 16 counties and convene in Bangor in late July to choose a replacement nominee to challenge Sen Susan Collins after Graham Platner resigned.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic leaders are choosing delegates this weekend, with Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah competing for a Bangor nominee aimed at defeating Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete for 600 Democratic delegates in Maine to replace Graham Platner in the 2026 Senate fight against Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats select 600 delegates across 16 counties to choose a replacement nominee for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins, amid competing progressive factions led by Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Our Revolution, and labor groups back a Democratic delegate fight in Maine ahead of a Bangor convention to replace Graham Platner in 2026.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete for 600 Maine Democratic delegates as delegates select a replacement nominee for the 2026 Senate race in Bangor.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete for Maine Democratic Senate replacement nomination as about 600 delegates are chosen across 16 counties ahead of a Bangor vote.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete for Maine Democratic delegates selecting a late-July Senate replacement nominee in Bangor.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete among Maine Democratic delegates in Bangor to replace Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic delegates will pick a replacement Senate nominee in Bangor after Graham Platner resigned, with Troy Jackson backed by labor and Our Revolution.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete for Maine Democratic convention delegates after Graham Platner resigned to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah seek a divided Platner base as Maine Democrats select delegates across 16 counties before a Bangor convention.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic delegates select a Senate replacement in upcoming county voting and a Bangor convention, with Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah competing to face Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Ahead of a Bangor convention for about 600 Democratic delegates, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete to carry Graham Platner's progressive base in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah compete for roughly 600 Maine Democratic delegates to replace Graham Platner for the 2026 Senate race.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats split Platner replacement support among Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah as delegates selected in 16 counties lead to a Bangor convention.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah seek Maine's Democratic Senate replacement nomination as 16-county delegates vote for a Bangor convention candidate.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson competes with Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah for Maine Democrats' replacement Senate nominee as delegates meet in Bangor to set up a general election fight with Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats set a July 25 Bangor convention to select a replacement Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew, with ballot submission due July 27.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will vote June 25 in Bangor to select a replacement Senate nominee using 601 delegates, signature thresholds, and a July 27 ballot submission deadline.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, and other candidates compete in Maine Democrats' July 25 Bangor delegate convention to replace Graham Platner and face Susan Collins this fall.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will convene in Bangor on July 25 to select a Senate nominee replacement after Graham Platner withdrew, with ballot placement due July 27.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Maine Democrats will hold a July 25 delegate convention in Bangor to choose a replacement Senate nominee for the November ballot by July 27 after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Maine Democrats set a July 25 Bangor delegate convention to choose a Senate replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will vote July 25 in Bangor to pick a replacement nominee for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, and other candidates compete for the Maine Democratic replacement nomination after Graham Platner withdrew, ahead of a July 25 Bangor delegate vote.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will vote on a U.S. Senate nominee replacement at a July 25 Bangor convention after Graham Platner withdrew, requiring 500 county-spanning signatures and July 27 ballot submission.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will use a July 25 Bangor special nominating convention with signature-backed candidates and nonbinding delegates to replace Graham Platner for the fall contest against Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats schedule a July 25 Bangor delegate vote to select a Senate replacement nominee, with candidate declarations, signature filings, and a July 27 ballot deadline driving campaign activity.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Maine Democrats are convening 601 delegates in Bangor on July 25 to replace Graham Platner, with candidate signature and ballot deadlines driving delegate-focused campaigning.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats are preparing for a July 25 Bangor convention to choose a replacement Senate nominee for the November ballot after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Maine Democrats will hold a July 25 Bangor convention to replace Graham Platner, using 601 delegates and a 500-signature deadline ahead of the July 27 ballot submission.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Maine Democrats will hold a July 25 Bangor delegate convention to replace Graham Platner, with ballot submission scheduled for July 27.
7/15/2026 • Campaign Operations • General
Maine Democrats plan a July 25 Bangor snap convention to replace Graham Platner as candidates compete for a ballot nomination ahead of Susan Collins in November.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Party delegates in Bangor will vote July 25 to choose a replacement nominee after Graham Platner’s withdrawal, with signature deadlines and delegate outreach shaping the race.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Senate race after campaign controversies, prompting Maine Democrats to choose a successor before the November contest against Senator Susan Collins.
7/29/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a July 25 convention to decide a replacement for Senate candidate Graham Platner after sexual assault allegations, with Troy Jackson backed by Bernie Sanders' fundraising operation.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled for July 25 a convention vote to replace Graham Platner with Troy Jackson after sexual assault allegations.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled a July 25 convention to choose a replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew over sexual assault allegations.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled a July 25 convention vote to replace departed Senate candidate Graham Platner with Troy Jackson for the 2026 November ballot.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine U.S. Senate race on sexual-misconduct allegations, pushing Maine Democrats into a July 13 to July 27 replacement process before the Susan Collins general election.
7/26/2026 • Election Administration & Ballot Access • General
Interesting
Maine Democrats scheduled a convention to choose a replacement after nominee Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Senate bid against Sen. Susan Collins.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate primary amid controversy and narrowing polling as Democrats weighed a replacement in a competitive race against Susan Collins.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Party will convene July 25 to select a U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdraws, as campaigns pivot to Susan Collins and immigration-enforcement issues.
7/18/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats have two weeks to select a Senate replacement for Graham Platner, as Democratic Socialist momentum and label disputes intensify in other states.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate bid in 2026 after negative coverage and allegations, with polling cited showing education-linked differences in support versus Sen. Susan Collins.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats began a replacement process for Graham Platner for the 2026 U.S. Senate contest, as prospective nominee Troy Jackson faces Maine sore loser eligibility scrutiny and possible Republican challenges.
7/25/2026 • Election Administration & Ballot Access • General
In Maine, progressive advocates expect Troy Jackson to win the Democratic Senate nomination after Graham Platner withdrew over a sexual assault allegation ahead of the November ballot.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic voters prepared for Troy Jackson's nomination weekend after Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation, intensifying Democratic disputes over progressive strategy for November Senate contests.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Following Graham Platner's dropout, Maine replacement nomination dynamics are expected to favor progressive candidates and a possible stronger challenger to Sen. Susan Collins, despite fundraising disadvantages.
7/17/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats develop a replacement process for a 2026 Senate challenger after Graham Platner suspended his campaign amid misconduct allegations, requiring 500 valid signatures.
7/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 U.S. Senate race after a rape allegation emerged, prompting a fast Democratic replacement nominating effort in 2026.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats weigh progressive vs establishment strategy as Troy Jackson seeks the nomination to replace withdrawn candidate Graham Platner on the 2026 Senate ballot.
7/21/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Troy Jackson is poised to win the Maine Democratic Senate nomination Saturday after Graham Platner withdraws over a sexual assault allegation, escalating debate within the Democratic Party.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will hold a July 25 delegate meeting in Bangor to select a new nominee for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/17/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Additional
Maine Democratic primary voters elevated Graham Platner over Janet Mills in 2026, but activists later selected Troy Jackson after Platner ended his campaign.
9/16/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General