Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine U.S. Senate race last week following allegations of rape by a former partner. Platner, who won the Democratic primary in June, has denied the allegations. The withdrawal has prompted the Maine Democratic Party to begin an emergency search for a replacement candidate to face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election.
The Maine Democratic Party is scheduled to hold a convention on July 25, where 601 delegates will select a new nominee. Under state guidelines, the party must finalize a name for the ballot by July 27. Several candidates, including David Costello, have begun gathering signatures to be considered for the nomination at the upcoming convention.
Senator Susan Collins, who has served in the Senate since 1997, is seeking reelection. During appearances in Lisbon, Maine, over the weekend, Collins cited her "steady leadership" as a primary reason for her continued support in the state. Maine has historically supported Democratic presidential candidates, but Collins won her last reelection in 2020 by a margin of 8.5%.
Democratic state officials, including Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry, have expressed concerns regarding voter engagement following Platner's departure. Daughtry, who called for Platner to step down after the allegations surfaced, stated that the party must now find a candidate who can maintain the momentum generated during the primary while also appealing to the independent voters necessary to win a statewide election.