Maine Democrats Race to Replace Collins | Bangor News

Maine Democrats are in a frantic race to replace Senator Susan Collins after her original pick, Graham Platner, was forced out due to serious allegations. With a July 25 convention looming, candidates must gather 500 valid signatures from eight counties—50 per county—by Monday. The field includes seasoned political figures like Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson, and Nirav Shah, plus former congressional hopefuls Jordan Wood and Paige Loud, and David Costello, who previously challenged Platner. Also in the mix: Dan Kleban, the co-founder of Maine Beer Company, and six lesser-known contenders including CEO Saundra Pelletier, former state rep Elizabeth Dickerson, home health worker Elizabeth Cote, Marine veteran Joseph Leveille, organizer Kristina Libby, and transgender activist Ashley Webb. Those who meet the signature threshold will speak to delegates at the Bangor convention, where delegates—selected through county caucuses and state party committee—will vote to pick the nominee through a series of elimination rounds. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/cd9332e4af4023fc