Maine Democrats Face Challenges in Senate Race Debates

WHO:

CNN - Eight candidates are competing to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine.

CNN - Candidates include Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Jordan Wood, and Dan Kleban.

NBC News - Graham Platner is the current Democratic Senate nominee who suspended his campaign.

Bangor Daily News - Republican Sen. Susan Collins is the incumbent facing the Democratic nominee.

WHAT:

CNN - The first debate among the candidates took place over two hours, with four candidates in the first hour and four in the second.

CNN - The candidates are preparing for a convention on July 25 to select Platner’s replacement.

Bangor Daily News - The upcoming debate is scheduled for July 23 at 8 p.m.

Bangor Daily News - The Democratic convention will consist of 601 delegates, including 101 members of the Democratic State Committee and 500 from local meetings.

WHERE:

CNN - The debate and convention will take place in Bangor, Maine.

NBC News - The candidates are participating in a race to face Sen. Susan Collins in the Senate election.

WHEN:

CNN - The candidates will participate in another debate on July 23.

CNN - The Democratic convention to select the nominee is set for July 25.

WHY:

CNN - The candidates are vying to replace Platner, who suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual misconduct.

CNN - The candidates aim to challenge Collins, who has a strong fundraising advantage and is a five-term incumbent.

HOW:

CNN - Candidates are making their cases to a small audience of delegates at the convention.

CNN - Candidates are recruiting allies and potential delegates while promoting their progressive platforms.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 02:54 UTC)

Eight candidates are competing to replace Graham Platner as the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine after he suspended his campaign amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The first debate among these candidates took place recently, and they are gearing up for another debate on July 23, followed by a convention on July 25 in Bangor, where 601 delegates will select the nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Candidates are actively promoting their progressive platforms and recruiting allies as they prepare for the upcoming events.