Maine's Democratic Senate nominee, Graham Platner, is under mounting pressure to quit the race after an ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, an allegation reported by Politico. With many observers expecting him to withdraw, attention has turned to who might replace him on the ballot against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins — a contest that could prove pivotal to control of the Senate.

Under Maine law, if Platner formally withdraws by 5pm on 13 July, the state Democratic Party may select a replacement nominee through its internal process, with the choice required by 27 July. Any successor is expected to share Platner's platform. Former state Senate President Troy Jackson, a fellow Bernie Sanders-backed candidate who recently came third in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, has already filed paperwork to explore a run and declared himself the best replacement. Congressman Jared Golden, a Marine veteran representing Maine's rural 2nd District, is also mentioned, though he passed on a Senate bid last year.