Maine Democrats Face 18-Day Deadline to Pick Senate Nominee After Platner Exits

Graham Platner suspended his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine on July 8 following a sexual assault accusation. State party rules require Democrats to select a replacement nominee by July 27 through a convention rather than a primary. The compressed timeline leaves the party little time to vet candidates, build campaign infrastructure, and introduce a nominee against Republican incumbent Susan Collins before the November general election.