Maine Democrats reject Platner-backed candidate in blow to scandal-plagued Senate hopeful

By Fox News · Fox News

Hannah Pingree, the former speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, clinched the Democratic nomination in Maine's 2026 gubernatorial race. Pingree defeated a crowded field of primary challengers in the blue-leaning state's Democratic primary, according to The Associated Press. Former Maine State Senate President Troy Jackson, an economic populist backed by embattled U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, was also viewed as a top contender for the party's nomination. Jackson’s loss is a blow to Platner as he seeks to unseat U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in November’s midterm elections . Former Biden public health official Nirav Shah was also viewed as a top contender for the Democratic nomination. The results come as Jackson and Platner campaigned together on multiple occasions ahead of the June 9 primary. The two were seen embracing Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during a "Fighting Oligarchy" rally in late May. Sanders, a progressive leader, has endorsed both candidates. GRAHAM PLATNER BLASTS NEW ALLEGATIONS AS 'FALSE ACCUSATIONS': 'MAINE, YOU HAVE MY BACK' Jackson, a logger who has served in both chambers of the state legislature, has largely stood by Platner’s candidacy despite mounting fallout over allegations of abuse in past relationships with women and questions over whether he was aware of a tattoo with Nazi origins that he later covered up. He appeared with Platner during a fiery rally in Bar Harbor on Friday during which the Senate candidate slammed "politically motivated, serious and false, false accusations" that have been levied against him. The gubernatorial hopefuls are running to succeed Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, who was term-limited. Mills, 78, suspended her Senate campaign in April after struggling to raise money and falling behind in polling. Mills endorsed Pingree, D-Maine, to be her successor. Pingree is the daughter of Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and is associated with the party’s establishment wing. The state's ranked-choice voting s…