Platner Nomination Fight
Troy Jackson emerges as Maine Democrats pick a new Senate nominee after Platner withdrew.
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Updated Jul 19, 8:56pm ETEvery side, every morning
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The reporting
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is likely to become Maine’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate after delegates aligned with him won most of 500 county-level slots and top rivals Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah dropped out. Democrats are replacing Graham Platner, who withdrew after a report accused him of sexually assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021; he denies the allegation. A dozen candidates had qualified for the July 25 convention, with many courting Platner’s progressive supporters and echoing parts of his platform.
Analysis & opinion
Leftward replacementMostly Right
Democrats are replacing Platner without breaking from his progressive or far-left politics, with Maine progressives and Troy Jackson moving into the strongest position. Troy Jackson and Ashley Webb are treated as evidence that the party is continuing in a radical left direction rather than moderating for the general election.
Weak debate fieldMostly Right
The debate to replace Platner exposed a weak, unserious candidate field that struggled to make a credible case. Ashley Webb, Shenna Bellows, and other contenders looked unprepared or evasive, deepening doubts about the replacement options.
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