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Twelve Maine Democrats have filed to challenge Senator Susan Collins, a five-term Republican, in November, following the suspension of former nominee Graham Platner over a rape allegation. Candidates must gather 500 signatures, including 50 from eight counties, by Monday to secure delegate votes at the July 25 convention in Bangor, where just over 600 delegates will determine the nominee.
The field includes high-profile figures such as State Senate President Troy Jackson, Gov. Janet Mills’ former health director Nirav Shah, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who contested Trump’s 2024 primary ballot access. Dr. Shah, a public health leader during COVID-19 and later CDC official, led the gubernatorial primary until losing to Hannah Pingree. Bellows, a populist advocate for working-class issues and 2023 critic of the Jan. 6-era ballot challenge, previously ran unsuccessfully for governor.
Other candidates include Jordan Wood, a progressive organizer and nonprofit founder; Dan Kleban, a brewery owner emphasizing environmental stewardship; environmental consultant David Costello; and Lesser-Known Figures Like Elizabeth Dickerson, a former state representative; Ashley Webb, a transgender rights advocate; writer Kristina Libby; Operation Smile executive Elizabeth Cote; Marine veteran Joseph Leveille; and Evofem Biosciences CEO Saundra Pelletier.
Sixteen candidates remain after Paige Loud’s withdrawal. All must meet filing deadlines to avoid elimination. Key dates include July 25 for the convention vote and November for the general election against Collins.
