Graham Platner

Troy Jackson wins Maine Democratic Senate nomination, omits mention of Israel, AIPAC

While Jackson took several shots during his acceptance address at Sen. Susan Collins, the incumbent Republican he will now face in the general election, he did not mention Israel or AIPAC.

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
Troy Jackson, who is expected to be the presumptive Democratic nominee, speaks before the Maine Democratic delegates as they gather for their party's nominating convention to select a US Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner on the ballot in November on July 25, 2026, in Bangor, Maine.
US Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks during a press conference alongside lawmakers and university union members following pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, Capitol Hill, Washington.

Cori Bush vows to deliver 'knockout' punch to AIPAC in upcoming congressional primary rematch

Now, as AIPAC has rapidly transformed into a radioactive bogeyman among Democrats and Bush’s fellow progressives have mounted an ascent across the party, Bush is out for revenge.

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
Democratic US Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at a campaign town hall meeting in Ogunquit, Maine, US, October 22, 2025.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner formally withdraws from race

The Maine Secretary of State's office confirmed Platner's withdrawal and will have until July 27 to name a replacement.

|ByREUTERS
Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine.

Platner suspends Senate campaign, forcing Democrats to pivot in crucial Maine race

Many Democrats had already questioned Platner's fitness for office before Politico reported on Monday that a woman accused him of forcing her to have sex with him nearly ⁠five years ago.

|ByREUTERS

Pressure mounts on Democratic Senate candidate Platner to quit Maine race

Platner's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Platner has denied wrongdoing but said on Monday he would take time "to reflect on the best path forward."

JULY 8, 2026ByREUTERS
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at his Primary Election event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.