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2026 Maine Senate
Bob Dylan
Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 6:01 AM EST
Maine’s 2026 Senate Race
Coverage from New York Magazine, LGBTQ Nation, and others
The 2026 Maine Senate race centers on Democrats’ effort to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins and the disruption caused by Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Democratic nomination.
Platner, an oyster farmer and political outsider who had defeated establishment-backed Governor Janet Mills in the primary, left the race after a sexual-assault allegation he denied and scrutiny of other aspects of his record. Maine Democrats faced the task of choosing a replacement while weighing grassroots energy, candidate vetting, and appeal to moderates and independent voters. The episode also illustrates how nomination choices and candidate viability shape the party’s strategy in a closely watched Senate contest.
Looking Back
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History
10/03/2026
The replacement challenge is now framed more concretely around campaign-finance constraints: Collins reportedly has more cash available, and rules limit transferring Platner's funds to a successor.
All Articles89 articles
Important
After Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine 2026 Senate race, analysis framed Susan Collins as a potentially vulnerable target amid Senate-control scenarios nationwide.
7/15/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
CNN data analyst Harry Enten said Democratic chances to defeat Sen. Susan Collins in Maine increased to 63 percent after Graham Platner withdrew.
7/15/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Harry Enten said Kalshi improved Democrats' Senate odds in Maine after Graham Platner quit over sexual abuse allegations, citing polling fundamentals misalignment.
7/13/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Nate Cohn said a potential Graham Platner exit from the 2026 Maine Senate race could lead to a Democratic replacement that is more competitive against Sen. Susan Collins, based on NYT Siena polling and supporter hesitation.
7/8/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Kalshi and Polymarket drew more than $42 million in Maine election trading during 2026, intensifying scrutiny from state regulators, federal officials, researchers, and voters.
8/4/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
After Politico published sexual assault accusations against Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, Maine Democratic leaders began planning replacement nomination steps under state election-law deadlines.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended the Democratic Maine Senate campaign on Wednesday night, and Maine Democrats must name a replacement by July 27 after national funding ended amid sexual assault allegations.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
NYT/Siena likely-voter polling June 15-29 found Maine support for Susan Collins centered on character and reliability, before Graham Platner withdrew after a rape accusation.
7/18/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine U.S. Senate race, leading Democrats to schedule a July 25 mini-convention to replace him and challenge Susan Collins.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins kept a low-profile campaign approach in Maine after Graham Platner exited amid sexual assault accusations, as a new poll showed tight hypothetical matchups with three Democratic replacements.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race, the Maine Democratic Party scheduled a July 25 delegate meeting to choose his replacement nominee to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate primary, coastal Maine women described shifting views on Susan Collins amid rape and misconduct allegations and a late-June Siena poll.
7/10/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate race on July 8, prompting a July 13 deadline for a Democratic replacement nominee to challenge Susan Collins.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's Senate race, the Maine Democratic Party faces a July 27 nominee selection deadline following a fast convention process.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats began a replacement search after Graham Platner suspended the 2026 Senate campaign following Politico-reported 2021 assault allegations, intensifying the progressive-vs-center debate ahead of a challenge to Sen. Susan Collins.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner's campaign commissioned Public Policy Polling to test Collins and potential Democratic replacements in a flash poll as Platner faced dropout pressure in Maine.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will withdraw from the Maine 2026 U.S. Senate race after a 2021 sexual assault allegation, pushing the Maine Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee by July 27.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner faced growing Democratic pressure to withdraw before July 13 as Maine succession negotiations accelerate for the 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats must select a Senate replacement nominee by July 27 after Graham Platner faces sexual assault allegation pressure and potential withdrawal by July 13.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate race on Wednesday after Politico reported sexual misconduct allegations, prompting Maine Democrats to move toward a nominating convention.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine during 2026 Senate politics, DSCC paused spending after senior Democrats pulled endorsements following allegations against nominee Graham Platner, with a state-law deadline for replacement ballot access.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
WinSenate and Majority Forward shifted over $6.2 million in Maine Senate ad reservations in early summer 2026 before a rape allegation against Graham Platner became public.
7/10/2026 • Outside Spending & Advocacy • General
Graham Platner's withdrawal from the Maine Senate race forces Democrats toward an imminent nominating convention for a limited 100-day campaign against Susan Collins, amid fundraising constraints.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended Maine Senate campaign operations after allegations surfaced, and prediction markets increased Democrats' odds against Susan Collins as the July 13 replacement deadline approached.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended a Maine Senate bid after a rape allegation, prompting Maine Democrats to select a July 27 replacement nominee for Susan Collins's seat.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats must choose a replacement for Graham Platner by Monday’s ballot deadline after Platner’s announced exit from the 2026 Maine Senate race.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Betting markets show high odds that Platner withdraws from the 2026 Maine Senate race as sexual misconduct allegations intensify and Democrats call for him to step aside.
7/8/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Maine Democrats convene to select a replacement candidate for the Senate race against Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew following a denied sexual-assault allegation.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats faced a nomination replacement after Graham Platner withdrew over a sexual assault allegation, complicating plans to defeat Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate election.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a convention to select a replacement candidate after Democratic nominee Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Senate race targeting Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats launched a snap election nominee process after reports of Graham Platner's campaign collapse, setting up opposition to Sen. Susan Collins in fall 2026.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democrats in Maine begin a replacement process for the 2026 Senate ballot after Graham Platner withdrew following conduct allegations and related reporting.
7/14/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Party leadership rejected Graham Platner's reported plan to influence a successor selection before a July 13, 5 PM withdrawal deadline.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner faces renewed rape allegations as Maine election rules allow a July 13 withdrawal deadline that could trigger a Democratic replacement.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats face instability in the path to challenge Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew from the nomination following a sexual assault allegation.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a replacement Democratic nominee for the 2026 Senate challenge to Susan Collins after Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats must replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner by July 27, but campaign finance rules restrict successor fundraising resources against Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
OpenSecrets reported in July 2026 that Graham Platner withdrawal left Maine Democrats constrained by FEC redesignation rules and a major cash gap versus Susan Collins.
7/10/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Maine Democrats begin replacing withdrawn Senate nominee Graham Platner after FEC transfer constraints and cash disparities versus Susan Collins complicate the run-up to November.
7/10/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Maine Democrats plan a nominating convention to replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner, as FEC filings show Susan Collins leads financially in the 2026 Senate contest.
7/9/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Graham Platner suspended the Maine U.S. Senate campaign, and a U.S. Supreme Court coordination ruling changes how remaining funds can flow to Democratic party groups.
7/9/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Kalshi and Polymarket traders wagered more than $42 million on Maine elections in 2026, prompting scrutiny from Maine officials and federal regulators over market accuracy and gambling jurisdiction.
8/5/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Polymarket and Kalshi drew more than $42 million in Maine election wagers during 2026, intensifying scrutiny from state officials and federal regulators.
8/5/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
After Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race amid sexual misconduct allegations, an Economist/YouGov poll found 61% of U.S. adults support candidate dropout in similar cases.
7/14/2026 • Polling & Race Ratings • General
Interesting
Graham Platner withdrew July 10 from the Maine Democratic Senate primary, while Michigan’s contest centered on electability and Gaza ahead of an Aug. 4 vote.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled a replacement-candidate convention after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation, leaving the challenge to Susan Collins unresolved.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats canceled plans around Democratic nominee Graham Platner after withdrawal over a sexual assault allegation and scheduled a convention to replace the candidate before challenging Sen. Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democrats reassess Maine Senate plans after nominee Graham Platner withdraws, complicating the effort to defeat Sen. Susan Collins in a party target race.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic leaders plan a replacement nomination after Graham Platner exited the 2026 Senate bid following a sexual assault allegation tied to the Susan Collins challenge.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats prepare a nominee replacement strategy to challenge Senator Susan Collins in 2026 amid broader primary instability and Trump-era political dynamics.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats schedule a convention to choose a replacement candidate after Graham Platner withdrawal, continuing a push to defeat Sen. Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats schedule a convention to choose a replacement after Graham Platner withdrew, while campaign efforts target defeating Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats preparing to challenge Susan Collins face candidate replacement after Graham Platner withdrew over a sexual assault allegation, as national polling and legal disputes shape party strategy.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a convention to pick a replacement after nominee Graham Platner withdrew, with the party focused on unseating Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats organized a replacement process for the U.S. Senate nominee after Graham Platner withdrew amid sexual assault allegations and tattoo-related scrutiny during 2026 campaign activity.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats planned a replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation, while strategists kept focus on defeating Senator Susan Collins in 2026.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner's Maine Senate exit in 2026 sparked a progressive versus centrist struggle over candidate vetting and party direction, affecting Democrats' plans to challenge Susan Collins.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner’s Maine Senate withdrawal prompted a Democratic Party split over candidate vetting and ideological control as Democrats plan for 2026.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Susan Collins maintained her Maine Senate campaign strategy as Graham Platner’s Democratic bid ended in late 2026 due to a public sexual-assault accusation and Democrats began a two-week replacement process.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Democrats cite a post-Graham Platner Maine race reset and deteriorating economic sentiment as Cook Political Report identifies Susan Collins as a key Senate pickup target.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended a Maine Senate bid, reshaping Democratic nominee expectations and analysis of Susan Collins' reelection outlook in the 2026 cycle.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended the Maine U.S. Senate campaign after a 2021 allegation as Democrats plan a delegate nominating convention to select a replacement for the November ballot.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maria Cardona says Democratic officials must move quickly in Maine if Graham Platner suspends after allegations, to refocus on beating Susan Collins.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maria Cardona urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the 2026 Maine Senate race to give Democrats time to recruit a replacement to challenge Susan Collins.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner allegations in Maine trigger Democratic progressives and centrists to compete over selection of a replacement candidate for the 2026 Senate race.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats planned a convention to replace Graham Platner after his withdrawal from the 2026 Senate contest against Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats, preparing a replacement after nominee Graham Platner withdrew, seek to defeat Sen. Susan Collins as part of a nationwide Senate-control push.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic leaders debate progressive versus centrist strategy after Graham Platner exits the Senate race ahead of a potential matchup with Susan Collins.
7/13/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Maine Democrats must appoint a replacement nominee by July 27 after Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Senate race following a sexual assault allegation.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner's withdrawal from the Maine Senate race leads to a 600-person Democratic special convention to select a replacement as New Hampshire polling tightens.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats faced a July 27 replacement deadline after Graham Platner ended a Senate bid following rape allegations and messaging controversies.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats sought a successor after Graham Platner exited the 2026 Senate race, while Susan Collins closed the second quarter with 11 million in cash on hand.
7/16/2026 • Fundraising & Donors • General
Maine Democrats reset their nominee selection after Graham Platner withdrew, as strategists weigh party divisions and Donald Trump's political fallout ahead of a challenge to Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Democratic candidate Graham Platner withdrew July 10 after sexual misconduct allegations, reframing Maine Democrats strategy to defend a seat held by Susan Collins in a Trump-won state.
7/25/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Party leaders schedule a convention to replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner for the Susan Collins 2026 Senate challenge after a sexual assault allegation controversy.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic leaders face a candidate replacement process for the Collins 2026 Senate challenge after nominee Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a convention to replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner while pursuing defeat of Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate race.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats preparing for 2026 Senate campaigning selected a replacement pathway after Graham Platner exited, as the party targets Senator Susan Collins.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats preparing to challenge Sen. Susan Collins face a replacement decision after Democratic nominee Graham Platner withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation and Nazi-symbol tattoo controversy, with uncertainty about the next nominee.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats pursuing a win over Sen. Susan Collins confront nomination volatility after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats planned a convention to replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner as the party aimed to challenge Sen. Susan Collins in 2026.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats prepared a replacement nominee after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual-assault allegation while aiming to defeat Sen. Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate race.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats plan a replacement nomination after Graham Platner withdrew from a Senate bid following a sexual assault allegation and other campaign controversies.
7/22/2026 • 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
Columnist Lori Sturdevant compares Graham Platner’s withdrawal from Maine’s 2026 Senate bid with Minnesota’s 1990 ballot replacement after Jon Grunseth’s late exit.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats prepare a convention to select a replacement after nominee Graham Platner withdrew, as the party targets a 2026 Senate race against Susan Collins.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate race, Troy Jackson is poised to become the Democratic nominee with no credible Collins-Jackson polling available yet.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats pursuing a 2026 Senate challenge to Susan Collins face a nomination disruption after Graham Platner withdrew following a sexual assault allegation.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats moved to replace withdrawn nominee Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation amid an effort to defeat Sen. Susan Collins in 2026 Senate campaigning.
7/22/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General