Graham Platner (D), candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, withdrew his candidacy on July 8, 2026. In a video statement on X, Platner said, “We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me. And for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations.”
The deadline for a general election candidate to withdraw in Maine, according to Title 21-A, Section 374-A of the Maine Statutes, is 5 p.m. on the second Monday in July — or July 13 this year. Before the deadline, a candidate may withdraw and be replaced for any reason. Maine law says that "A political committee may make a replacement nomination for the general election … No later than 5 p.m. of the 4th Monday in July", or July 27 this year.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the Maine Democratic Party has approved a plan for a nominating convention. County party committees will elect 500 delegates proportionally, along with the 100 state party committee members. These delegates will then select a nominee
