The Democrat candidate pool to replace Graham Platner in Maine’s Senate race just got smaller: two candidates decided to drop out on Sunday, though I wouldn’t call them top-tier people, as NBC News did. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah announced they’re suspending their campaigns amid a consolidation around Troy Jackson. He’s expected to be named Platner’s replacement at the upcoming convention this week (via NBC News):
Democrat Nirav Shah suspends campaign for US Senate in Maine and endorses Troy Jackson pic.twitter.com/8nxdIdrV1q
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) July 19, 2026
Democrat Shenna Bellows drops out of the Maine Senate race pic.twitter.com/h1WhkbCBfc
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) July 19, 2026
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and physician Nirav Shah, a former top public health official in the state, both announced they would be leaving the race.
Bellows made her announcement Sunday morning, while Shah exited the race Sunday evening after Democrats across the state selected delegates to next week’s state nominating convention. Jackson quickly established a seemingly insurmountable advantage in delegates as his supporters swept counties throughout the state.
Delegates at next week’s convention will select a new nominee to take on GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after primary winner Graham Platner abruptly ended his campaign last week after a sexual assault allegation, which he denied.
In a nod to Jackson’s strong showing this weekend, Shah threw his support behind the former legislator.
“To Maine Democrats: Susan Collins will not be defeated without a united Democratic Party. And we cannot unite without treating one another with respect,” Shah said in a statement. “No matter whom you supported in this race, I urge us all to remember that in the weeks ahead.”
[…]
Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban also ended his Senate bid Sunday night, saying in a statement that it has “become clear from the county nominating meetings that we lack a path forward.”
Kleban signaled support for Jackson as well, saying, “From the very beginning, my focus has been on defeating Susan Collins. I will do whatever I can between now and November to help Troy Jackson finally achieve that goal.”
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There will be another debate among the still-running candidates on July 22. The first debate last week among those vying for Platner’s spot on the ballot was an absolute trainwreck, with everyone, Bellows included, looking unprepared and downright nutty. The jokes write themselves, as many noted how they could see Platner, the former Democratic candidate who was forced to drop out over a rape allegation, easily clinching the primary. Platner also had a Nazi tattoo, graphic social media posts, an account on an app known for being a haven for pedophiles, and other allegations of domestic abuse. The bench isn’t deep with Democrats in Maine, who seem poised to lose another election to Republican Susan Collins, especially now.
UPDATE: Congratulations, Troy Jackson.
Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine who’ve dropped out and endorsed Troy Jackson over the weekend
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) July 20, 2026
🟦Shenna Bellows
🟦Nirav Shah
🟦Dan Kleban
🟦Jordan Wood https://t.co/cXXtXgwwfo pic.twitter.com/WmPM4RDbht
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