NEWS CENTER Maine to Host Voice of the Voter U.S. Senate Debate

What’s Happening and Why

Think of this like a big tryout for a job. Some people want to be the Democratic pick (the party’s chosen person) to run for U.S. Senate in Maine. NEWS CENTER Maine is putting on a live debate so voters can hear from them.

This is happening because Graham Platner dropped out of the race after some serious accusations were made against him (sexual assault allegations). So now the Democrats need a new person to pick.

Important: The debate is to help choose the Democratic nominee — not the final senator. The winner of this process will later face Republican Senator Susan Collins.

When and How to Watch

You can watch the debate live (that means as it happens!) on:

• TV on NEWS CENTER Maine
• The NEWS CENTER Maine streaming app (like watching on a phone or tablet)

It happens on Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m.

Who Got Invited

Only people who said “I want to be in this!” by turning in a form to the Maine Democratic Party by the end of the day on Tuesday, July 14 got invited.

The invited candidates are listed in alphabetical order (we’ll group them below).

How the Debate is Split Up

The debate is like two mini-shows, one after the other:

1. 7–8 p.m. (The “top vote” group): These four were on the June Democratic Primary ballot and got more than 20% of the vote:

   • Bellows
   • Jackson
   • Shah
   • Wood
2. 8–9 p.m. (The “other” group): These five either didn’t run before or got less than 20% of the vote:
   • Costello
   • Dickerson
   • Kleban
   • Loud
   • Webb

Note: Some people wanted to run but didn’t turn in their paperwork in time, so they are not in this debate.

How the Final Pick is Made

After the debate, the Democrats will have a one-day meeting (called a convention) to choose their nominee.

• When: Saturday, July 25
• Where: Bangor, Maine
• Who votes: 601 delegates (people chosen to represent voters) from all 16 counties in Maine

The state says the party must pick a new candidate by Monday, July 27 to replace Platner.

Summary

• NEWS CENTER Maine is hosting a live U.S. Senate Democratic debate on July 16 at 7 p.m.
• It’s happening because Graham Platner dropped out.
• Candidates are split into two hours based on past votes.
• A convention on July 25 with 601 delegates will pick the nominee.
• The final choice is due to the state by July 27.

FAQ

Q: What does “Democratic nominee” mean?
A: It’s the person the Democratic Party officially chooses to run in the bigger election.

Q: Why isn’t Graham Platner in the debate?
A: He dropped out of the race after sexual assault allegations were made against him.

Q: Can I still watch if I don’t have cable?
A: Yes! You can use the NEWS CENTER Maine streaming app.

Q: What happens after the debate?
A: The Democratic convention on July 25 picks the nominee, who will then run against Susan Collins.