All articles tagged with #maine senate
Following Graham Platner's withdrawal amid sexual‑assault allegations, Maine Democrats race to replace him with Nirav Shah and a slate of familiar contenders—former gubernatorial hopefuls Troy Jackson and Shenna Bellows, and Dan Kleban—in a hastily organized, unpledged delegate process that could determine Senate control when they face Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Patrick Dempsey wrote in an op-ed that he gave real thought to running for Maine’s open U.S. Senate seat but ultimately decided not to enter the race, saying he can contribute more through the life he’s built. The move comes as Democrats consider a replacement for Graham Platner, who paused his campaign amid sexual‑assault allegations; several names—Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Dan Kleban—have been floated, though Platner has not officially withdrawn.
Democrats are weighing Patrick Dempsey as a potential replacement for embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner ahead of a July 13 withdrawal deadline; Platner faces a sexual assault accusation from a former girlfriend, and Dempsey—though Maine-born with a Kennebunkport home—has not signaled interest in running.
Graham Platner’s withdrawal from Maine’s U.S. Senate race after a new sexual allegation triggers a rapid scramble among Democrats to replace him before the July 27 deadline, with Troy Jackson quickly entering and others like Shenna Bellows, Dan Kleban, Nirav Shah, Jordan Wood, and potential nods for Chellie Pingree or Sara Gideon weighing in. The Maine Democratic Party has approved a nominating convention plan to pick a successor to face Susan Collins, as candidates weigh feasibility, past votes, and the path to defeating the Republican incumbent in a pivotal race.
The day’s headlines: U.S. strikes around 90 Iranian targets as Tehran retaliates against Gulf states, with Trump suggesting the ceasefire may be over; in Maine, Democrat Graham Platner exits the Senate race after a 2021 sexual-assault allegation, prompting a nominating convention as the party searches for a replacement (Patrick Dempsey has already said no); HBO leads the Emmy nominations with top totals for The Pitt and Hacks, while Apple TV shows gain traction; World Cup quarterfinals tip off with France vs. Morocco and Haaland drawing global buzz; and the Pentagon warns it’s running low on funds, seeking a $67 billion supplemental budget to sustain ongoing operations.
Democrat Graham Platner, who is facing a 2021 sexual assault allegation, has not announced whether he will stay in Maine’s Senate race, with his campaign and the state Democratic Party publicly sparring over his path forward and delaying a final decision more than 48 hours after he signaled a possible withdrawal.
Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Sen. Gillibrand, are pressuring Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner to drop out after a 2021 sexual assault allegation surfaced. Platner is weighing his future as the party negotiates a potential replacement; Maine law allows withdrawal by July 13, after which a replacement nominee would be chosen. The controversy complicates Democrats’ effort to flip the seat from Susan Collins and could affect DSCC backing unless Platner leaves the race.
Several Democratic leaders and major backers, including Senate Democrats and the Maine Democratic Party, pulled endorsements and urged Graham Platner to drop out of the U.S. Senate race against Susan Collins after a former dating partner accused him of sexual assault; Platner denies the allegation but acknowledges the political fallout as allies scramble to nominate a replacement.
A 41-year-old former girlfriend says Graham Platner forced sex on her in late 2021 after he entered her home intoxicated, despite her protests; Platner denies the accusation, which comes amid ongoing scrutiny of his campaign for the Maine Senate against Susan Collins.
Democrat Graham Platner has canceled or postponed multiple Maine Senate campaign events (Augusta, Gorham, Sanford) as the July 13 ballot-replacement deadline nears. The campaign has offered no immediate comment, while opponents and supporters note ongoing scrutiny over past allegations. The deadline allows Democrats to swap Platner for another candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and recent polling had Platner slightly ahead of Collins.
Democrats remain divided over Graham Platner in Maine even after his primary victory, with several senators delaying endorsements and demanding more answers about his past scandals as Republicans spotlight the race against Sen. Susan Collins; some leaders and progressives call for unity, while others insist Platner must address voters' concerns to unite the party ahead of the general election.
Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, running on a progressive platform that includes Medicare for All, a wealth tax, higher minimum wage and stronger Social Security, and will face Republican Susan Collins in November after Governor Janet Mills dropped out. Platner drew early establishment support and Sanders-era endorsements, while confronting past controversies and vowing personal growth. The article also notes other primaries (Nevada, South Carolina and North Dakota) where Trump-backed candidates had mixed outcomes, shaping the broader political landscape.
Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary amid controversy and baggage, advancing to a fall race against Republican Senator Susan Collins; his ascent highlights a political moment where some Democrats tolerate personal scandal for a chance to contest a key battleground, even as insiders worry about electability in the 2026 midterms.
Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate nomination to challenge Republican Susan Collins, while Lindsey Graham secured the South Carolina GOP nod for a fifth term. The live coverage also reports other primaries (California, North Dakota, Nevada) with notable results such as Randy Villegas advancing to face David Valadao in CA-22, Kevin Kiley and Richard Pan advancing in CA-6, and Mai Vang slated to face Doris Matsui in CA-7, alongside Steve Hilton’s California governor bid; Tom Steyer conceded, and Nancy Mace finished fifth in SC’s gubernatorial race. The day underscores a high-stakes, polarized race for Senate control amid inflation, foreign-policy tensions, and ongoing controversy surrounding candidates.
Graham Platner, a political newcomer and oysterman, won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary to face incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins after surviving scrutiny of his past posts, a Nazi-symbol tattoo, and personal controversies. Backed by progressives including Bernie Sanders, Platner’s campaign has benefited from a favorable national climate as Democrats aim to flip the Collins seat in 2026, with polls suggesting a tight general election in a state Harris won in 2024.