Eight Democrats are vying to replace Graham Platner as the party's nominee against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The candidates filed by the Wednesday deadline and are scheduled to debate Thursday evening.
The Maine Democratic Party will select its new nominee at a July 25 convention using delegates elected from the state's counties. The winner will challenge Collins in the November election.
Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, Jordan Wood, Dan Kleban, David Costello, Elizabeth Dickerson, and Paige Loud are among the candidates. Several previously ran for governor or other offices this cycle.
A debate featuring the candidates is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. It will conclude before President Donald Trump addresses the nation.
The replacement process was created after Platner withdrew last week amid scandals. The party had weeks to organize the special selection under state law.
