The political landscape in Maine is shifting rapidly as Democrats search for a strong candidate to replace their embattled nominee, Graham Platner. In a surprising turn of events, actor Patrick Dempsey has announced that he will not be entering the race, despite initial speculation. Dempsey, known for his roles in popular TV shows and films, has been a beloved figure in Maine and beyond. His decision not to run has left many wondering what this means for the Democratic Party in the state.
In an opinion piece published in the Portland Press Herald on Wednesday afternoon, Dempsey shared his thoughts on why he chose not to pursue a political career. He emphasized his deep love for Maine and his concern for the direction of the country. However, after careful consideration, he concluded that he could make a more significant impact through his existing work with the Dempsey Center, a non-profit organization that provides supportive care to cancer patients and their families.
Polling Shows Strong Alternatives to Platner
Recent polling commissioned by Graham Platner’s campaign has revealed that several potential replacements could fare better against the Republican incumbent, Susan Collins. The survey, conducted by Public Policy Polling, tested various candidates and found that former Maine state senate president Troy Jackson leads Collins by 5 points. Maine’s secretary of state, Shenna Bellows, is tied with Collins, as is former public health official Nirav Shah. These findings suggest that the Democratic Party has several viable options to consider as they move forward.
However, not all potential candidates performed as well. Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, lagged behind Collins by 11 points, while Jordan Wood, who finished third in a recent Democratic primary for the House, trailed Collins by 9 points. Despite these mixed results, the polling data provides a clear indication of who might have the best chance of defeating Collins in the upcoming election.
Platner Campaign Denies Endorsement Claims
The Platner campaign has denied reports that he offered to endorse a Democratic state lawmaker, Valli Geiger, if he withdraws from the race. A spokesperson for Platner stated that no decision on endorsements has been made. However, Platner did call Geiger to thank her for her support and encouraged her to consider running if he steps down. This denial comes amid growing pressure on Platner to withdraw from the race following allegations of sexual assault.
The Maine Democratic Party has expressed frustration with Platner’s campaign, accusing them of trying to influence the process of selecting a replacement nominee. Party leaders have made it clear that Platner’s campaign will have no role in this decision. Despite the tension, the party is committed to developing a representative, transparent, and inclusive process for choosing a new candidate.
Potential Candidates Emerge
As the search for a new nominee continues, several potential candidates have stepped forward. Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, has expressed his readiness to enter the race if Platner withdraws. Kleban, who previously endorsed Governor Janet Mills, believes he can unite the party and defeat Susan Collins in November. David Costello, who finished third in the Democratic primary, has also signaled his willingness to jump in if the field reopens.
Costello has suggested that the party should treat Platner’s exit as if he placed last, triggering Maine’s ranked-choice process. This method would redistribute Platner’s votes according to second and third-choice preferences until a remaining candidate crosses the 50% threshold. Costello argues that this approach allows Platner voters to have some choice and involvement moving forward.
The political landscape in Maine is evolving rapidly, and the Democratic Party faces a critical decision in selecting a strong candidate to replace Graham Platner. With several viable options on the table, the party must carefully consider who has the best chance of defeating Susan Collins and representing the interests of Maine’s residents.
