Maine Democrats Gear Up for Nominating Convention Amid Senate Race

Maine Democrats are set to gather for a significant event in their political calendar. The party’s nominating convention will take place on Saturday. Here, they will choose a U.S. Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner, following his withdrawal from the race due to a sexual assault allegation. Former state Senate President Troy Jackson appears to be the frontrunner for the nomination.

Earlier this month, about a dozen Democrats expressed interest in the nomination after Platner’s exit. However, the field of contenders decreased over the past weekend. This followed county nomination meetings in Maine, where delegates were elected. Jackson successfully secured the majority of delegate support. Out of the 500 elected delegates, most have expressed their backing for Jackson.

With Jackson dominating the delegate count, other key contenders like Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah have stepped back. They have urged party unity to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. While lesser-known candidates David Costello and Saundra Pelletier will remain on the convention ballot, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban, despite qualifying, has endorsed Jackson and asked to withdraw.

‘We look forward to hearing directly from these candidates and bringing Democrats from every corner of Maine together on Saturday to choose the strongest nominee to defeat Susan Collins,’ stated Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson.

At the convention, delegates from all 16 Maine counties will vote. Although Jackson’s delegates are not legally obliged to support him, they are largely expected to do so.

About Troy Jackson

Troy Jackson, aged 58, is a fifth-generation logger and served as state Senate president from 2018 to 2024. He has also represented Maine’s northernmost areas in the state House. Initially, Jackson ran as a Republican in his first state House race but was elected as an independent in 2002 before becoming a Democrat.

Jackson’s political career has been notable for its alignment with progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders, who supported his previous gubernatorial run. Though he finished third in the June gubernatorial primary, Jackson has maintained his political presence. Jackson once worked on Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and advocates for progressive policies.

Platner’s sudden withdrawal necessitated a rapid selection process for a new nominee. According to Maine election law, after securing a nomination in June, a nominee must withdraw by a specific deadline to be replaced on the ballot. The Maine Democrats’ timely scheduling of the convention was in response to this deadline, ensuring the nominee receives public input.