Here’s who could replace Platner if he drops out of Maine Senate race

All eyes have turned to a handful of Maine Democrats who could take the mantle as Graham Platner, the party’s current Senate nominee, faces growing pressure to withdraw from the marquee race over a sexual assault allegation.

Politico reported Monday that Jenny Racicot, who says she dated Platner on and off for several years, alleged that he raped her in 2021. Platner said “any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false” in a direct-to-camera video to his followers, but the populist oyster farmer acknowledged his campaign was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” 

The latest allegation, which adds to a string of other controversies around the political newcomer’s bid, prompted the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm and other former backers of Platner, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), to withdraw their support and call for Platner to step aside.   

If Platner drops out by Monday, Maine’s Democratic Party could still field a new candidate ahead of November, even though the primary has passed. The state party would then have until July 27 to choose its replacement candidate. 

Here’s a look at some of the Maine Democrats floated as potential replacements for Platner:  

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, a fifth-generation logger who was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, is openly considering a bid to replace Platner.

Jackson filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to form a Senate exploratory committee on Tuesday. He previously told the Bangor Daily News he believes he is the “best person” to fill Platner’s shoes.

“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 outlet on Monday, shortly before he called on Platner to withdraw from the race.

Platner, however, endorsed Jackson in the governor’s race, which could become a liability for Jackson should he choose to run for the upper chamber.

Jackson previously campaigned on universal free childcare for people who made less than 125 percent of the state’s average income and creating a property tax commission to tackle rising rates.  

During the last stretch of the campaign, Jackson fielded attacks over his record on abortion, which is one of Democrats’ top attack........

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