The Maine Democratic Party now has a framework to replace Graham Platner, who dropped out as the U.S. Senate nominee last week under rape accusations.
The party released a statement Saturday night stipulating the procedure.
All 16 Maine counties will hold Delegate Nominating Meetings on Friday and Saturday with all registered Democrats eligible to participate and vote.
People receiving the most votes at the delegate meetings will be among the 601 delegates who will travel Nominating Convention on the following Saturday, July 25th. A total of 101 will be members of the Democratic State Committee, who were previously elected.
The convention will take place at the at the Bangor Cross Insurance Center, where a Senate nominee to be named.
State law requires the process to be completed by July 27th.
Delegate Nominating Meeting Key Points:
- Delegate Nominating Meetings will be held July 18-19 in all 16 counties, either in person or virtually, as determined by each county chair.
- The date, time, and location of each meeting will be announced by the Maine Democratic Party by Wednesday, July 15.
- All Democrats registered in the county as of June 9, 2026, and listed as verified in the MDP Voter File, are eligible to participate and vote in their county’s Delegate Nominating Meeting.
- Participants are encouraged to pre-register by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 through the MDP website.
- Anyone interested in serving as a delegate must file a declaration of intent by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 through the MDP website.
- Counties will administer one round of voting. The people receiving the most votes up to the number of delegates and alternates will be elected as such to the Nominating Convention.
- Delegates elected during the county meetings will represent their counties at the July 25 Nominating Convention, where 601 delegates will select the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
Nominating Convention Outline
- The nominating convention will provide each qualifying candidate the opportunity to address delegates prior to voting.
- Voting will be conducted in rounds until one candidate reaches a majority. The five candidates receiving the highest number of votes in the first round will advance to the second round. Each subsequent round will eliminate the lowest vote-getter until one candidate is chosen.
- The convention will be livestreamed. For safety reasons, only credentialed delegates, credentialed press, and staff will be permitted to attend in person
