Platner Ends Campaign as Six Democrats Join Race and Maine Democrats Plan July 27 Nomination

Graham Platner ended his Senate campaign and six Democrats have entered to replace him, with the Maine Democratic Party set to select a nominee by July 27.The new field includes Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, Dan Kleban, Paige Loud and Jordan Wood, who must distance themselves from Platner's scandal while courting his energized progressive base.Supporters such as Cory Upton-Cosulich say national Democratic leaders betrayed Platner's voters by withdrawing endorsements, raising the risk that disillusioned progressives could defect to Senator Susan Collins and complicate Democrats' fall strategy.