After 4 Maine Candidates Exit, Who’s Left in the Democratic U.S. Senate Race

Just days before the Democratic Convention, four high-profile candidates have ended their bids to unseat Senator Susan Collins.

Maine Democrats to Choose a New Candidate for U.S. Senate After Platner's Exit

Earlier this month, Graham Platner, who was the Democratic Party's nominee to take on Collins in November, withdrew from the race amid allegations of sexual impropriety.

A wide field of candidates threw their hats back in the ring, hoping to become Maine's next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

READ MORE: 25 Gorgeous Photos that Show Maine is One Giant Postcard

But now, that field has been narrowed, as four of the most high-profile candidates withdrew from the race in the last few days, a week before the Democratic Convention.

Four Maine Candidates for the U.S. Senate Have Withdrawn from the Race

Nirav Shah announced his decision to bow out over the weekend, saying he's getting out of the race for the same reason he got in, to defeat Susan Collins.

Shenna Bellows also announced the end of her campaign, stating her focus needs to be exclusively on her role as Secretary of State.

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Dan Kleban and Jordan Wood also announced their withdrawals from the race.

Shah, Kleban, and Jordan all endorsed Troy Jackson as their choice to run against Collins. Bellows did not endorse any candidate.

This does not mean, however, that Troy Jackson has no competition

Maine Democratic Convention to Name a New Candidate for the U.S. Senate

Several candidates are still in the race, including David Costello, Elizabeth Cote, Elizabeth Dickerson, Joseph Leveille, Kristina Libby, Saundra Pelletier, and Ashley Webb.

The convention on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, will determine who will run for the U.S. Senate seat currently being held by Senator Susan Collins.