Eight Maine Democratic candidates replacing Platner on ballot to debate

Originally, the sponsor of the event had invited a few candidates but later decided to invite everyone who had so far submitted paperwork to run for the seat Platner was seeking before he was forced to withdraw following sexual assault allegations.

Published: July 16, 2026 9:31am

Candidates to replace Graham Platner in Maine's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate will debate on Thursday. 

The debate, which will be held in Portland, will feature nine candidates, Politico reported

The sponsor of the event, News Center Maine, had originally invited Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah, all of whom ran for governor, to participate, as well as Jordan Wood, who ran for a House seat. 

Later, the outlet decided to invite everyone who had so far submitted paperwork to run for the seat Platner was seeking before he was forced to withdraw following sexual assault allegations. 

The debate invitees now also include David Costello, Elizabeth Dickerson, Dan Kleban, and Paige Loud, according to News Center Maine. 

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