Contender to replace Graham Platner as Senate candidate changes mind on ‘genocide’

Jordan Wood, a contender for the Democratic nomination for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat, has reversed his stance on accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Previously, Wood avoided the term due to concerns about rising antisemitism and the potential consequences for U.S. citizens who served in the IDF. However, last week he stated on social media, “I believe we can’t continue to fund Israel’s genocide in Gaza. It’s a moral atrocity.”

• Wood is running in an abbreviated primary to replace Graham Platner, who withdrew after sexual assault accusations.
• Wood aims to carry on Platner's platform, focusing on issues like conditioning aid to Israel and rejecting corporate PAC and AIPAC money.
• He has consistently supported Bernie Sanders’ resolutions to block certain weapons sales to Israel, while advocating for a cooperative U.S.-Israel relationship based on “honesty and accountability.”
• Other major candidates in the race, including Troy Jackson, Nirav Shah, and Shenna Bellows, have also accused Israel of genocide, reflecting a shift among Democratic voters.