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Platner Withdraws Over Assault Allegation; Dempsey, Richardson Decline.

7/10/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Platner Withdraws

Democratic nominee Graham Platner withdrew on Wednesday after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, had won the June Democratic nomination to face Sen. Susan Collins.
Actor Patrick Dempsey announced he will not run for Maine’s Senate seat.
Substack commentator Heather Cox Richardson also said she will not run for the vacant Senate seat.

Summary

Democrats Seek Replacement

The Democratic Party must name a replacement for Graham Platton by July 27 if he withdraws.
Former state Senate President Troy Jackson filed paperwork on Tuesday to explore a Senate bid.
Former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, State Rep. Valli Geiger, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau and Dempsey have been cited as contenders, with a Tavern Research poll ranking Shah, Jackson and Dempsey among the top.

Summary

Kleban Enters Senate

Jenny Racinot alleged sexual assault by Graham Platner, who posted a denial video.
Mike Murphy said on Hacks on Tap that Dempsey had considered a Senate run before rejecting it.
Dan Kleban, founder of Maine Beer Co., announced interest in the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination.
Dempsey’s op-ed urged public servants to lead with humility, tell the truth, and put people before party.

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Platner Withdraws

Democratic nominee Graham Platner withdrew on Wednesday after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, had won the June Democratic nomination to face Sen. Susan Collins.
Actor Patrick Dempsey announced he will not run for Maine’s Senate seat.
Substack commentator Heather Cox Richardson also said she will not run for the vacant Senate seat.

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