In Graham Platner’s county, Democrats move toward a successor without letting go
Hancock County Democrats met to select delegates for a convention to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner following his withdrawal due to sexual assault allegations. The process highlights internal party tensions and the influence of progressive factions in Maine politics.
Why it matters
The replacement of political candidates under scandal impacts local election dynamics and party strategy for upcoming Senate races.
Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson.
ELLSWORTH — A bagpiper led Hancock County Democrats into the middle school gymnasium where they would elect delegates for a convention to replace Graham Platner. Not just any bagpiper: the one who played at Platner’s wedding reception.
The music from David Weeda’s Scottish Highland woodwind set a merry tone for a Saturday meeting quickly arranged to help give Democrats a fresh Senate nominee. But more complicated feelings lurked barely below the surface on Platner’s home turf.
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