Troy Jackson is gaining preference as the Democratic candidate in Maine's Senate race after several of his challengers withdrew from the race and endorsed him. 

Maine's secretary of state, Shenna Bellows, withdrew on Sunday, saying that unity in the effort to defeat Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November midterm elections is crucial. Nirvah Shah, former director of Maine’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also dropped out and endorsed Jackson, the Guardian reported. 

Dan Kleban, the co-founder of Maine Beer Company, and Jordan Wood, who worked as chief of staff to former Rep. Katie Porter of California, also withdrew and endorsed Jackson. 

Democrats are scrambling to shore up their campaign after their initial nominee, Graham Platner, suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual assault from a former girlfriend.