Key facts
- Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows withdrew from the Democratic race for U.S. Senate.
- Bellows urged Democrats to unify to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
- The previous Democratic nominee, Graham Platner, withdrew amid a sexual assault allegation.
- The Maine Democratic Party must select a replacement nominee by July 27.
- Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced her withdrawal from the Democratic race for the U.S. Senate on Sunday, aiming to consolidate the party's efforts against Republican Senator Susan Collins. Bellows stated she would focus on her current duties and emphasized the need for Democrats to unify quickly in the fast-moving nomination contest.
Her departure follows the earlier withdrawal of Graham Platner, the initial Democratic nominee, who suspended his campaign on July 8 after facing a sexual assault allegation, which he denied. Platner had secured the nomination with over 70% of the primary vote.
The Maine Democratic Party faces a July 27 deadline to select a replacement nominee through a convention. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate, making the Maine race a critical battleground for Democrats seeking to regain control. Senator Collins, the incumbent Republican, has held her seat since 1997.