Will Democrat Graham Platner Withdraw From Maine Senate Race?

Summary

Jessica Taylor of the Cook Political Report discusses two 2026 Senate primary dynamics: Graham Plattner’s endangered campaign in Maine and Mallory McMorrow’s exit in Michigan, along with the potential fallout for control of the Senate.

• Graham Plattner faces pressure to withdraw from the Maine Senate race after new allegations, with a deadline of Monday for Democrats to replace him.
• Maine is viewed as the top pickup opportunity for Democrats given Collins' weaker ratings and the state's presidential voting history.
• National Democrats consider Maine essential to their path to a Senate majority.
• Potential replacement candidates for Maine include former state health director Nirav Shah, ex-Senate President Troy Jackson, and others.
• In Michigan, Mallory McMorrow dropped out of the Democratic primary, sharpening the race between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
• National Republicans prefer to face the more progressive El-Sayed, while establishment Democrats back Stevens as the stronger general election candidate.
• Mitch McConnell's hospitalization raises questions about a possible special election in Kentucky if a vacancy occurs before early August.