More than a dozen candidates will compete in a CNN and Bangor Daily News debate to replace Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee.

Candidates seeking to replace Graham Platner will participate in a debate hosted by CNN and the Bangor Daily News on July 23. The event serves as a precursor to an unprecedented 601-member nominating convention in Bangor, where delegates will select the official Democratic nominee to face Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in November. The field of over a dozen candidates includes Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, Jordan Wood, Paige Loud, Dan Kleban, and David Costello, among others. These candidates aim to capture the progressive support previously held by Platner, who withdrew from the race following sexual misconduct allegations. The debate will feature moderators Jake Tapper, Dana Bash, and Michael Shepherd. Candidates will address a live audience of Maine Democratic Party delegates. As the parties fight for control of the Senate, the race is expected to see nearly $400 million in ad spending. The debate will air live on CNN and be available for streaming and on-demand viewing the following day.

Sources