Democratic candidates competing to replace former Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner embraced core elements of his progressive platform during a debate on Thursday, including the abolition of ICE, Medicare for All, economic populism, and criticism of Israel.
Platner withdrew from the race earlier this month following a rape allegation he denies. His exit has not produced a break from the agenda that secured him a landslide primary victory in early June.
The debate took place three days after a 25-year-old father was fatally shot in Biddeford, Maine, during an ICE-related incident. The man was not the target of the enforcement action, according to information provided to state lawmakers.
All candidates seeking the nomination called for eliminating ICE. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said no one deserves to be killed in the street while a child remains in pajamas nearby.
Nirav Shah, former runner-up in the gubernatorial caucus, described the agency as beyond reform. "The rot has gone to the core and that's why we must abolish it," he said.
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson argued ICE is not legitimate law enforcement. "It's a rogue agency," he said.
Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer, called for a new law enforcement body that earns public trust. Businessman Dan Kleban and repeat candidate David Costello also endorsed abolition, calling the agency irredeemable and a political instrument.
The Biddeford shooting was the second fatal ICE shooting in a week, following a traffic stop incident in Houston. Four Democratic candidates met with protesters in Biddeford hours after the event.
Shah later held a news conference near a field office of Republican Senator Susan Collins. He argued Collins had increased ICE funding rather than moved to abolish it.
Economic populism and criticism of the "oligarchy" dominated the stage alongside foreign policy critiques. Candidates were asked directly which Platner ideas they would carry forward.
Jackson pointed to Medicare for All as a long-standing priority. Shah cited overlap on ICE, while Wood emphasized human rights and Palestinian statehood.
Bellows said Platner's warning about corruption by powerful interests in Washington resonated most. She described a democracy undermined by billionaires and major corporations.
Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer, won backing from progressive Senator Bernie Sanders before his campaign collapsed under multiple scandals. He left the race amid pressure from state and national Democrats.
The Maine Democratic Party must certify a replacement by July 27. A nominating convention in Bangor on July 25 will let 601 delegates select the nominee.
Thirteen candidates filed for the nomination by Wednesday, with one withdrawing shortly after. Remaining contenders must collect signatures from registered Maine Democrats by July 25 to qualify.
