Overview
- Dempsey announced Wednesday in an op-ed that he will not run for the U.S. Senate, saying he can serve Maine more effectively through his nonprofit, the Dempsey Center.
- Graham Platner suspended campaign operations the same day after a new sexual-assault allegation became public and he denied the claim.
- If Platner exits the race before the near-term ballot cutoff, the state Democratic committee would have until July 27 to replace him on the November ballot.
- Several Maine officials have been floated or have taken exploratory steps to replace Platner, including Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Nirav Shah, Valli Geiger and Ryan Fecteau.
- Dempsey urged the next Democratic nominee to lead with empathy, tell the truth and put service before party, a call that shifts pressure onto experienced public servants rather than celebrity candidates as Democrats face a high-profile contest with Sen. Susan Collins.