Maine Democrats Scramble to Replace Senate Nominee Graham Platner

Nirav Shah, the former state health director who gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as a top contender. Positioning himself as a technocratic outsider, Shah previously secured the most votes in the June 9 gubernatorial primary before losing under the state’s ranked-choice system. He is joined in the field by Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president and logger from Allagash. Jackson, 58, has secured backing from Bernie Sanders-affiliated groups, though his past opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion rights presents a potential hurdle for the party’s base.

Other candidates include Maine Beer Company co-owner Dan Kleban and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood, both of whom are attempting to align themselves with Platner’s populist platform. Social worker Paige Loud, a former staffer for the outgoing nominee, has also declared her intent to run. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows remains a wildcard. Bellows, who previously challenged Collins in 2014, gained national notoriety for her unsuccessful attempt to bar Donald Trump from the 2024 primary ballot. As the clock ticks toward the deadline, party officials must navigate these diverse profiles to determine who can best mount a credible challenge against the long-serving incumbent.