Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to YES if the Maine Democratic Party officially selects Patrick Dempsey, Troy Jackson, or Shenna Bellows as the replacement Democratic nominee for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Maine, following the potential withdrawal or removal of Graham Platner.

This market will resolve to NO if:

• Any other individual (such as Dan Kleban, Valli Geiger, Mattie Daughtry, Nirav Shah, or Brian Bryant) is officially selected as the replacement Democratic nominee.

• Graham Platner remains the official Democratic nominee on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 general election (e.g., if he does not withdraw, or if the deadline to name a replacement passes).

The primary source for resolution will be official announcements from the Maine Democratic Party or the Maine Department of the Secretary of State. Reliable news reports (such as from the Bangor Daily News, Portland Press Herald, or AP News) confirming the replacement nominee will also be used to resolve the market.

Background

Following a sexual assault allegation reported in July 2026, Graham Platner, the winner of Maine's June 2026 Democratic Senate primary, faced widespread calls to withdraw from the race against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Under Maine election law, Platner has until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, to formally withdraw. If he steps aside, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 27, 2026, to select a replacement nominee.

Among the names discussed:

• Troy Jackson: Former Maine Senate President, who is viewed as ideologically aligned with Platner's progressive base.

• Shenna Bellows: Maine’s Secretary of State and a former state legislator.

• Patrick Dempsey: The actor was briefly floated by some party figures but publicly ruled out running on July 8, 2026.

• Others: Other prospective candidates include brewery owner Dan Kleban, State Representative Valli Geiger, former gubernatorial candidate Nirav Shah, State Senate President Mattie Daughtry, and union leader Brian Bryant.

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