As the Maine Democratic Party gears up for an essential U.S. Senate race, the quest to find a candidate who can successfully inherit Graham Platner’s progressive legacy has led to a splintered field. The late July nominating convention is looming, and potential nominees are vying to align themselves with Platner’s popular policies while distancing from his recent scandal.

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, endorsed by labor organizations and national figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna, appears to be a strong contender. Jackson’s long-standing ties with the union and his progressive stance during the primaries have garnered significant backing.

However, the race is far from a clear cut. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former public health official Nirav Shah are also in contention, each drawing support from different factions within the state. Bellows, known for her progressive policies and her stance against former President Donald Trump, has captured the support of several state legislators and local activists. Shah, on the other hand, is actively working to court former Platner organizers and has pivoted to more progressive positions to attract disillusioned supporters.

The candidates are not only fighting to win over the 600 yet-to-be-selected delegates but are also grappling with how to maintain their individuality while continuing Platner’s advocacy without being overshadowed by his recent controversy. Platner, who convincingly won the Democratic Senate primary last month, stepped down after allegations of sexual assault surfaced, which he has denied.

Adding to the complexities of the race, recent events such as the ICE shooting in Biddeford have reminded Democrats of the broader stakes, including the need to challenge Senator Susan Collins and regain control of the Senate. The candidates have been quick to incorporate these issues into their campaign narratives, emphasizing the urgency of removing federal enforcement overreach and focusing on local governance.

As the convention approaches, all eyes are on Maine’s Democrats to see if they can unify behind a single candidate who not only embodies the progressive values of Platner’s base but also presents a formidable challenge to the entrenched Republican incumbents. The outcome of this convention could very well set the tone for the national Democratic strategy in the Senate races this fall.