California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged Democrats to move past Graham Platner’s exit from Maine’s Senate race, as the state party prepares to hold a convention to select a replacement after the candidate faced sexual assault allegations and withdrew.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called on Democrats to “turn the page” on Graham Platner’s fallout in Maine’s U.S. Senate race, urging the party to focus on winning November’s general election. Platner, a progressive candidate, suspended his campaign this week amid allegations of sexual misconduct, including a claim that he raped a woman five years ago and another that he removed condoms without consent during sex. He has denied the accusations, but the Maine Democratic Party has moved to replace him, setting the stage for a contentious process.
Maine Democrats Move to Replace Platner
The Maine Democratic Party announced plans to hold a convention to choose a new nominee after Platner’s scheduled withdrawal, as required by state law. The party’s executive director, Devon Murphy-Anderson, accused Platner’s campaign of trying to put their thumb on the scale
in selecting a replacement, a claim the campaign denied. At no point has the campaign tried to ‘put its finger on the scale,’
Platner’s team stated, though they acknowledged confusion over the process. The party emphasized a commitment to a transparent and inclusive
selection, while Platner’s campaign argued that his supporters’ votes should influence the decision.
Potential Candidates Emerge
With Platner’s departure, several figures have signaled interest in the Senate race. Troy Jackson, a former state Senate president and ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Our Revolution, officially entered the race, filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. Nirav Shah, former Maine CDC director, said he was “evaluating” a run, while Jordan Wood, a former Senate candidate, hinted at conversations with voters. Other potential contenders include Shenna Bellows, Maine’s secretary of state, and Dan Kleban, founder of Maine Beer Co.
The race has also drawn national attention. President Trump, when asked about Democrats replacing Platner, suggested the allegations against him were “big falsehoods” and predicted he would lose. He’s in a bind. But, should they be able to do it? Well, I guess he’s gonna lose,
Trump said. Meanwhile, Platner’s campaign sent a survey to supporters asking for feedback on the replacement process, underscoring the tension between his team and the party.
Legal and Procedural Deadlines Loom
Maine law requires Platner to step aside by July 13 to allow other candidates to enter the race. Once he formally withdraws, the Democratic Party has until July 27 to name a replacement. The narrow timeline has intensified scrutiny over the process, with both the party and Platner’s campaign vying for control. The Maine Democratic Party’s statement emphasized its commitment to openness, transparency and robustness
in selecting a nominee, but Platner’s team argued that his supporters’ votes should carry weight in the decision.
The conflict highlights broader tensions within the party. Platner, who outlasted establishment-backed Gov. Janet Mills in the primary, has positioned himself as a grassroots champion. His campaign claimed that his supporters’ votes should count in the decision,
while the party insisted on a more centralized process. The outcome could shape the Democratic strategy for the November election, with the party aiming to protect its Senate majority against Republican Susan Collins.
The next steps hinge on the Maine Democratic Party’s convention, which will determine the nominee. The process has already exposed rifts between Platner’s campaign and party leadership, with both sides accusing the other of undermining the race. As the July 27 deadline approaches, the focus will shift to whether the party can unify behind a candidate or if the contest will further fracture Democratic efforts in the state.
For now, the race remains in flux. With Trump’s comments and the emergence of multiple candidates, the outcome could have national implications for the 2026 midterms. The party’s ability to navigate this crisis will be a test of its unity and strategy as it prepares to face Collins in November.
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