Maine Democrats Gear Up for Nominating Convention
By July 25, 2026 / 6:00 AM EDT / CBS News
Washington — Maine Democrats are set to convene on Saturday for the party’s nominating convention. They aim to select a U.S. Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner, stepping down from the November ballot following a sexual assault allegation.
Initially, about a dozen Democrats expressed interest in the nomination. However, the field narrowed after county nomination meetings last weekend. These meetings were pivotal in selecting delegates. Troy Jackson emerged as the frontrunner, securing most delegate support.
Jackson, previously state Senate President, informally secured a majority of the 500 delegate slots. This virtually ensures he will be the nominee. As a result, other significant candidates like State Secretary Shenna Bellows and former CDC director Nirav Shah withdrew, urging party unity to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Nonetheless, lesser-known contenders like David Costello and Saundra Pelletier remain in the race. Dan Kleban, a co-founder of Maine Beer Company, qualified as well but chose to endorse Jackson and requested withdrawal.
“We look forward to hearing directly from these candidates and bringing Democrats from every corner of Maine together on Saturday to choose the strongest nominee to defeat Susan Collins,” stated Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson.
At the convention, delegates from all 16 Maine counties will cast votes. Although delegates backing Jackson aren’t legally obliged to vote for him, their support is anticipated.
About Troy Jackson
Troy Jackson, 58, is a fifth-generation logger. He served as state Senate President from 2018 to 2024. Previously a state representative, Jackson initially ran in the state House as a Republican before switching. Elected as an independent in 2002, he later became a Democrat.
Jackson previously pursued a gubernatorial run, endorsed by Platner and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders. In the gubernatorial primary, he placed third.
Jackson, aligned with Sanders, supports progressive policies. He participated in Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, advocating similar progressive reforms.
Platner’s exit initiated a swift nomination process. After the June win, state law required the nominee to withdraw by 5 p.m. on the second Monday in July for ballot replacement. The party then had two weeks to nominate a new candidate.
Maine Democrats chose the convention to ensure Mainers had a say, scheduling it just before the July 27 deadline.