Congressman Vali Geiger, a Rockland Democrat and former nurse and mayor, recently made headlines after stating that Senate candidate Graham Platner had urged her to think about backing him in the upcoming Maine Senate race.
While Geiger hasn’t been officially named as a replacement candidate, Platner mentioned to local news that he had spoken with her, referring to Geiger as a “warrior” and asking if she might come forward.
However, Platner announced on Wednesday evening that he would be suspending his campaign.
Geiger had received a call from Platner regarding a potential candidacy. On Tuesday, he made it clear he had no intention of “throwing Graham under the bus,” yet he also indicated he wouldn’t “defame or accuse” Jenny Racicot, the woman who accused Platner of rape, without just stating her experiences.
Reports surfaced by Wednesday indicating that Geiger stated Platner had encouraged him to consider running if he withdrew from the race. Platner has denied the allegations.
Geiger serves as a three-term Democratic state representative, representing various coastal areas in Maine. Her legislative biography notes her role on the Labor Relations Board and the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee.
Before her time in the Legislature, Geiger was on the Rockland City Council for six years, including a year as mayor. She also spent four years on the Rockland Comprehensive Planning Commission, serving as chairman for three of those years.
Geiger holds a master’s degree in sustainable design and is recognized for building her own passive solar net-zero energy home. Additionally, she has experience as a nurse at Pen Bay Medical Center and has worked as a health policy analyst and administrator.
The connection between Geiger and Platner extends beyond the recent rumors regarding potential candidates. Local news outlets describe her as a staunch supporter of Platner, and she previously acknowledged his efforts in securing funding for rape kit tracing in the state.
In response to Racicot’s claims, Geiger noted on Facebook that Racicot’s narrative “seems credible,” although she added, “None of us know the truth, and none of us ever will.”
Geiger praised Platner as “a better person” and emphasized her belief that he would continue to lead the political movement his campaign has initiated, adding that he shouldn’t be thrown under the bus.
In his own comments, Geiger acknowledged Platner’s “passion for economic populism,” stating that Platner provided him with “great reprieve” during what he described as “the dark years” following multiple deployments.
Geiger isn’t the only Democrat being discussed as the state party braces for the possibility that Platner may exit the race against Republican Senator Susan Collins. Other individuals considering a run include former gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah.
Maine law stipulates that if Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot, with a new candidate selected through party processes by July 27.
