First Challenger Files Paperwork to Potentially Replace Platner

Former Maine state Senate President Troy Jackson is the first Democrat to officially explore a run to replace Graham Platner, the embattled Democratic nominee for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat.

Jackson filed Federal Election Commission paperwork on Tuesday to form an exploratory committee for the race.

“This is something I never considered, but if Graham’s stepping away, I am very, very interested and think I’m the best person to replace him,” Jackson told the Bangor Daily News, which first reported his decision to launch an exploratory committee, on Monday night.

Graham is still hanging on to his chance to face incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), despite calls from Democrats across the ideological and leadership spectrum for him to drop out over a sexual assault allegation by a woman he dated in 2021. Platner immediately denied the allegation in a two-minute video posted to X shortly after Politico released the report.

“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” Platner said Monday.

The “Draft Troy” effort gained significant momentum after the latest allegation against Platner. A website for the movement describes Jackson as a “proven progressive with a track record of winning the tough races” and calls on Mainers to add their name to a petition in support of the potential candidate. It is unclear who is behind the effort.

Jackson, who endorsed Platner in February but called for him to drop out Monday, filed to form an exploratory committee — what the FEC refers to as “testing the waters” ahead of a possible campaign. He can “explore the feasibility of becoming a candidate” through certain activities such as conducting polling, traveling and making telephone calls, according to FEC guidelines. Jackson will have to officially register with the FEC once his committee raises or spends $5,000.

Jackson is the first potential candidate to launch an exploratory committee, but he isn’t the only person Democrats have explored in the scramble to replace Platner — who said on Monday that he was taking a step back from campaigning to consider his political future. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former public health chief Nirav Shah and former 2nd Congressional District candidate Jordan Wood are also at the top of some Democrats’ lists.