MAINE — Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine U.S. Senate race on July 9, 2026, citing "genocide" in Gaza in a video announcement. Following his withdrawal, the Maine Democratic Party scheduled a nominating convention to select a replacement candidate.

Platner's departure comes after groups like Democratic Majority for Israel and the Jewish Democratic Council of America issued statements urging the Democratic Party to nominate a candidate aligned with their values. Brian Romick, president and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel, stated, "We urge Maine Democrats to nominate a viable candidate who reflects our Democratic values and can actually win." The Jewish Democratic Council of America previously stated it never supported Platner because he does not share the values of its community. Platner has denied an allegation of sexual assault and claimed he did not know what a Nazi tattoo on his body represented when he received it.

The day before Platner's resignation, on July 7, Troy Jackson called for Platner to step aside from the Senate race. On July 9, Jackson officially launched his campaign for the Democratic Senate nomination. Jackson served as chairman of the 2024 Maine State Democratic Convention, where he attempted to quiet protestors calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. During that 2024 convention, protesters called Maine Rep. Jared Golden a "war criminal" during a video celebrating him. Jackson said, "I believe in the ability of people to demonstrate and protest. There is a time for that."

The Maine Democratic Party's nominating convention will consist of approximately 600 individuals chosen by county-level Democratic committees. The deadline for naming a replacement Senate candidate is July 27.