Maine Secretary of State Confirms Withdrawal of Senate Candidate Graham Platner

On July 10, 2026, the Secretary of State’s Office in Maine confirmed the receipt of a formal withdrawal notice from U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner. The office clarified that a public declaration does not constitute an official withdrawal; candidates must submit a written notice, including their signature, to the Elections office. Since Platner withdrew before the 5 p.m. deadline on July 13, 2026, his name will not appear on the ballot, allowing his political party to select a replacement. The deadline for the party to name a replacement is July 27, 2026. Maine law does not specify the process for selecting a replacement candidate, only that the individual must be a “qualified person.” Further announcements regarding the selection of a replacement candidate will be made by the political party. Additionally, the Secretary of State's website lists candidate withdrawals and replacement nominations for the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2026. The deadline for non-party candidates to appear on the ballot was June 1, 2026, and those wishing to be declared write-in candidates must file a declaration by August 25, 2026.