AUGUSTA, Maine — With mounting calls from Democratic leaders for U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner to withdraw from the race, attention is rapidly shifting to a question that seemed unlikely just days ago: who could replace him on the November ballot?
The pressure on Platner intensified after new allegations of sexual assault became public. Platner has denied the allegations, calling them false, but acknowledged he is considering his next steps. National Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, have publicly urged Platner to end his campaign, and the DSCC has announced it will not invest in the race if he remains the Democratic nominee.
Under Maine election law, Democrats have only a brief window to act. If Platner voluntarily withdraws by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party would have until July 27 to select a replacement nominee. If he remains in the race beyond that deadline, Democrats will be unable to replace him on the November ballot.
The compressed timeline would leave any replacement with just a few months to build a statewide campaign, raise millions of dollars, introduce themselves to voters, and challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.
Political observers say that reality makes recent statewide candidates the most logical choices, as they already possess campaign organizations, fundraising networks, volunteers, and statewide name recognition.
Shenna Bellows
Among the names mentioned most frequently is former gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows.
Bellows recently completed a statewide campaign and already has many of the building blocks necessary for a Senate race, including experienced campaign staff, donor relationships, volunteers, voter data, and statewide recognition. She also brings previous experience as a U.S. Senate candidate.
If she entered the race, Republicans would almost certainly focus heavily on her tenure as Secretary of State, particularly controversies surrounding election administration and ranked-choice voting, issues that have become central themes for Maine Republicans.
Nirav Shah
Another frequently discussed possibility is Dr. Nirav Shah.
The former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention became one of Maine’s best-known public officials during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently concluded his own gubernatorial campaign.
Supporters argue Shah could appeal to moderates and independent voters while quickly reactivating an existing statewide campaign organization. Republicans, however, would likely make his leadership during the pandemic and Maine’s public health policies a central campaign issue.
Troy Jackson
Former Senate President Troy Jackson is also viewed as a potential contender.
Jackson maintains strong support among organized labor and rural Democratic voters throughout northern and central Maine. His blue-collar background and statewide campaign organization could provide Democrats with an immediate foundation.
The challenge for Jackson would likely be expanding his appeal among suburban and independent voters, areas where Collins has traditionally performed well.
Sara Gideon
Although she has given no indication she is interested in another Senate campaign, former House Speaker Sara Gideon continues to be mentioned because of her previous statewide race against Collins in 2020.
Gideon maintains relationships with national Democratic donors and already understands the demands of running a statewide Senate campaign. Republicans, however, would almost certainly remind voters that Collins defeated Gideon despite record Democratic spending during that race.
Janet Mills
Gov. Janet Mills also remains part of the conversation.
Mills suspended her own Senate campaign earlier this year after falling behind Platner in the Democratic primary. While there has been no public indication she intends to re-enter the race, she remains one of the state’s most recognizable Democratic figures and would instantly become a formidable candidate should she reconsider.
Patrick Dempsey: The Wild Card
One name generating discussion outside traditional political circles is actor Patrick Dempsey.
The Lewiston native has long maintained strong ties to Maine through both his acting career and his charitable work with the Dempsey Center. Unlike many of the political figures being discussed, Dempsey enjoys widespread name recognition and a broadly positive public image.
Political observers note that Dempsey could immediately attract national media attention, energize Democratic donors, and potentially appeal to women voters, independents, and those looking for a political outsider.
At the same time, Dempsey has never sought elected office and has given no public indication he has any interest in running for the U.S. Senate. Building a statewide campaign from scratch in a matter of weeks would present enormous logistical and political challenges. Republicans would also be expected to portray him as another Hollywood celebrity entering politics rather than an experienced public servant.
The Race Against the Clock
Whoever Democrats choose, if Platner withdraws before the July 13 deadline, will inherit one of the most challenging political assignments in recent Maine history.
The nominee would need to unify a party suddenly thrown into turmoil, rapidly assemble a statewide campaign operation, secure millions of dollars in fundraising, and prepare for a high-profile general election against Collins.
From an organizational standpoint, Bellows and Shah appear to be among the candidates best positioned to launch a campaign immediately. Jackson offers deep ties to organized labor and rural Democrats. Gideon brings previous Senate campaign experience, while Mills remains one of the state’s best-known Democratic leaders if she were willing to reconsider.
Dempsey remains the ultimate wildcard. While there is no evidence he is considering a campaign, his popularity, deep Maine roots, and broad public appeal make him one of the few nonpoliticians whose name alone could dramatically reshape the race.
For now, however, the focus remains squarely on Platner. His decision over the coming days will determine not only his own political future, but whether Maine Democrats are forced into one of the fastest and most consequential candidate searches in recent state political history.
