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2026 Maine Senate
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Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 6:01 AM EST
Maine’s 2026 Democratic Senate Nomination
Coverage from The New York Times, Press Herald, and others
Graham Platner’s rise to the 2026 Maine Democratic Senate nomination ended when he withdrew, and Democrats selected former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson to replace him.
Platner had won the June primary, where Janet Mills was also a prominent candidate, but his campaign faced scrutiny over past messages and comments, a tattoo, and a sexual-assault allegation by a former girlfriend that he denied. Jackson’s selection changed the party’s nominee for the contest against Republican Senator Susan Collins; the focus here is that nomination transition and its immediate political consequences.
Looking Back
113 Day Timeline
Jul 6
Jul 24
Aug 11
Sep 1
Sep 19
Oct 7
Oct 25
History
10/27/2026
The story now centers on uncertainty over whether Jackson can consolidate Platner’s support: some former volunteers are reluctant, a write-in effort is proposed, and polling offers no stable picture of the race.
10/03/2026
Platner’s planned Labor Day appearance was scaled back: organizers removed his speech, citing safety concerns and negative media attention, and expected him to lead a veterans march instead. The current account also resolves earlier uncertainty by identifying Troy Jackson as the selected Democratic nominee.
All Articles81 articles
Important
After Graham Platner withdrew on July 8, Troy Jackson faced difficulty mobilizing Platner's volunteers for his Maine Senate challenge to Susan Collins.
10/26/2026 • Voters & Public Opinion • General
Graham Platner announced plans to quit the Maine U.S. Senate race, triggering a Democratic replacement process centered on sustaining a volunteer network and uniting against Susan Collins.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Senate race after sexual assault allegations, prompting Democrats to select a replacement before the July 27 filing deadline.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended a 2026 Maine Senate campaign on Wednesday night, leaving Democrats to select a replacement challenger to Sen. Susan Collins by July deadlines under Maine law.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Janet Mills announced her 2026 U.S. Senate campaign in Maine on October 14, challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins and reshaping the Democratic primary.
9/18/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Hancock County activists scheduled a Sept. 7 Ellsworth rally featuring Graham Platner, prompting Maine Democrats to warn that renewed controversy could damage Troy Jackson's Senate campaign against Susan Collins.
8/13/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
James Carville praised former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on August 3 during a podcast after Platner withdrew from the Maine race on July 10.
8/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Senate race during the campaign after allegations and financial concerns, leaving Democrats to select a replacement before July 27.
8/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will choose a replacement Senate nominee at a July 25 Bangor convention after Graham Platner withdrew, with twelve candidates competing to challenge Susan Collins.
8/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic candidates are seeking the party's Senate nomination after Graham Platner withdrew, with replacement deadlines approaching and Susan Collins remaining the Republican incumbent challenger.
8/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Democratic Senate contest after controversy and financial difficulties, leaving the Maine Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee through delegates.
8/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Senate contest after denying a rape allegation, leading the Maine Democratic Party to schedule a replacement nominating convention.
7/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic leaders scheduled a July 25 convention vote to replace Graham Platner on the November ballot with Troy Jackson after Platner's withdrawal over sexual assault allegations.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled a July 25 convention to choose Troy Jackson as a replacement for withdrawn Senate candidate Graham Platner amid sexual-assault allegations.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled a July 25 convention after Graham Platner withdrew over sexual assault allegations, with Troy Jackson emerging as a potential replacement for the November Senate ballot.
7/23/2026 • 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
Democrats in Maine will nominate Troy Jackson at a July 25 convention after Graham Platner exit, with Bernie Sanders fundraising support amid vetting and competitiveness questions.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats scheduled a July 25 convention vote to choose a replacement for withdrawn U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, with Troy Jackson emerging amid concerns over fundraising readiness and vetting.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Janet Mills remains eligible for counted votes in Maine's June 9 Democratic Senate primary because she has not formally withdrawn with the secretary of state's office.
9/8/2026 • Election Administration & Ballot Access • General
Troy Jackson appealed to Graham Platner supporters on August 22 in Belfast after replacing Platner as the Democratic nominee in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
8/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner denied a rape allegation and prepared for a Hancock County Labor Day appearance weeks before Maine's Senate election, prompting concern among Democrats supporting Troy Jackson.
8/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary and will face Senator Susan Collins in the November general election after a campaign centered in Maine.
9/1/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will lead a veterans march Monday in Ellsworth, Maine, after withdrawing from the 2026 Senate race amid a sexual assault allegation and negative media attention.
9/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats are evaluating potential replacements after Graham Platner suspended his Senate campaign, with the eventual nominee expected to challenge Susan Collins in Maine during November 2026.
8/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats moved to replace Graham Platner after sexual assault allegations, with Troy Jackson emerging ahead of a July 25 convention vote for the November Senate ballot.
7/23/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner postponed events in Augusta and Gorham as the July 13 ballot replacement deadline neared, while a Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll showed a close race versus Susan Collins.
7/6/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally on Wednesday after allegations and campaign controversies prompted media and safety concerns.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally after allegations and controversy prompted safety concerns.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally speaking slot after media scrutiny and safety concerns followed his campaign withdrawal.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally after allegations and media scrutiny followed his withdrawal from the Senate race.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Democratic nominee Graham Platner was removed from a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after allegations and campaign scandals led to his withdrawal from the Senate race.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will skip a Labor Day labor rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after allegations and campaign controversies led to his withdrawal from the Senate race.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will not speak at Monday's Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after organizers removed him amid controversy and safety concerns.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth canceled former Democratic nominee Graham Platner's Labor Day rally speech after controversy surrounding allegations, while Platner shifted to a veterans' march.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Democratic nominee Graham Platner will lead a veterans march instead of speaking at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after withdrawing from the 2026 Senate race.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Janet Mills ended her 2026 Senate campaign in Maine after citing inadequate fundraising, clearing the Democratic field for Graham Platner’s challenge to Susan Collins.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats will choose a replacement for Graham Platner at a party convention before a July 27 deadline, as candidates seek to challenge Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 election.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Senate contest, prompting the Maine Democratic Party to seek a replacement candidate before the November election against Susan Collins.
8/29/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
The Maine Democratic Party must select a replacement for withdrawn candidate Graham Platner by July 27 as Democrats seek a nominee to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.
8/29/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Graham Platner is weighing whether to continue his Maine Senate campaign after denying a rape allegation, with the Maine Democratic Party facing replacement deadlines in July.
8/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Democratic Senate contest amid rape allegations, leaving Maine Democrats to choose a replacement challenger to Susan Collins before the July 25 convention.
8/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Democratic Senate race on July 10, prompting the Maine Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee before the November contest against Susan Collins.
8/24/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
The Maine Democratic Party will choose a replacement for Graham Platner at a July 25 convention in Maine before the July 27 deadline.
8/21/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Senate race on July 10, 2026, prompting the Maine Democratic Party to select a successor by July 27.
8/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Democratic Senate race after allegations and financial concerns, prompting state Democrats to select a replacement nominee by July 27.
8/20/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Interesting
Former Democratic nominee Graham Platner will skip a Labor Day rally speech in Ellsworth, Maine, after allegations and safety concerns followed his withdrawal from the Senate race.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is scheduled to speak at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth after ending the 2026 campaign.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Hancock County Maine Democrats will host Graham Platner at a September 7 Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, following Platner's withdrawal from Maine's Senate race.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner will speak at a Labor Day labor rally in Ellsworth after withdrawing from the 2026 Senate race and being replaced by Troy Jackson.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In the 2026 Maine Senate contest, Graham Platner's departure and Troy Jackson's positions feature in arguments about candidate authenticity and campaign messaging.
9/24/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Graham Platner will lead a veterans' march instead of speaking at an Ellsworth, Maine, Labor Day rally after withdrawing from the 2026 Senate race amid allegations.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Hancock County Activists removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after former partners renewed allegations against him.
9/3/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner will lead a veterans' march instead of speaking at Monday's Labor Day rally in Ellsworth after organizers cited safety concerns tied to allegations and media attention.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally after allegations and resulting media attention prompted safety concerns.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will skip a Labor Day rally speech in Ellsworth, Maine, after organizers cited safety concerns following allegations that ended his Senate campaign.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally after his campaign withdrawal and misconduct allegations, while Platner will lead a veterans march.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Democratic nominee Graham Platner will lead a veterans' march instead of speaking at an Ellsworth, Maine, Labor Day rally after organizers cited media scrutiny and safety concerns.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
The Maine Democratic primary is confronting uncertainty in 2026 as Graham Platner is expected to withdraw, prompting potential replacements to organize statewide before July qualification deadlines.
8/30/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
The Maine Democratic Party will select Graham Platner’s Senate campaign replacement at a July 25 convention in Maine before the July 27 nomination deadline.
8/29/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats must select a replacement for withdrawn candidate Graham Platner before the July 27 ballot deadline to challenge Senator Susan Collins in Maine.
8/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats are considering replacement candidates in Maine after Graham Platner suspended his 2026 Senate campaign, with party qualification requirements constraining a rapid selection process.
8/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Supporters of Graham Platner are promoting a November write-in campaign in Maine, while Troy Jackson faces Republican attacks and Susan Collins remains competitive.
8/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner received Planned Parenthood's endorsement and attacked Susan Collins over the Kavanaugh confirmation during the 2026 Maine Senate race in Maine.
8/25/2026 • Campaign Messaging & Media • General
Hancock County activists announced a Labor Day rally featuring former nominee Graham Platner, prompting Democratic criticism as Troy Jackson campaigns against Susan Collins in Maine.
8/14/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Jenny Racicot and Lyndsey Fifield criticized Hancock County Activists on August 13 for featuring former candidate Graham Platner at a September 7 Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine.
8/14/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will make his first public appearance since withdrawing from Maine's 2026 Senate race after sexual assault allegations at an Acadia Action Peacekeepers labor event in Ellsworth on Labor Day.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner is scheduled to speak about organized labor at a September 7 rally organized by local activist groups at Ellsworth City Hall, Maine.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is scheduled to speak at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after ending his campaign in July.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is scheduled to speak at a Labor Day labor rally in Ellsworth after ending his campaign.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will lead a veterans' march instead of speaking at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after organizers cited controversy surrounding his withdrawn Senate campaign.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Organizers in Ellsworth, Maine, removed former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner from a Labor Day rally speaking slot and assigned him to lead a veterans' march after allegations prompted safety concerns.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Former Democratic nominee Graham Platner will lead a veterans march instead of speaking at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after organizers cited controversy and safety concerns.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner is scheduled to address a Labor Day labor rally in Ellsworth, Maine, after withdrawing from the 2026 Senate race amid allegations he denies.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will headline a Labor Day rally about organized labor in Ellsworth, Maine, marking his first public appearance since leaving the Senate race in early July.
8/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner will skip a Labor Day rally speech in Ellsworth, Maine, after organizers cited safety concerns arising from allegations and media scrutiny.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
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
Maine Democratic voters first elevated Graham Platner over Janet Mills in the 2026 Senate primary, but party activists later selected Troy Jackson after Platner withdrew amid controversies.
9/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Hancock County Democrats will host former Senate candidate Graham Platner at a September 7 labor rally in Ellsworth, Maine, following Platner's withdrawal after rape allegations.
8/15/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner canceled a planned Labor Day rally speech in Ellsworth after allegations and media scrutiny ended his campaign against Susan Collins.
9/2/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General