Maine Senate hopefuls accuse Israel of genocide in bid to replace Platner

Eight Democratic candidates vying to replace former Senate nominee Graham Platner in Maine participated in two televised debates on Thursday, with several accusing Israel of genocide. Jordan Wood, a former congressional chief of staff, stated his views on Israel shifted during the campaign, learning from Platner to "draw those moral lines" and embracing the position that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute "genocide." Shannon Bellows, Maine's Secretary of State, asserted that Democrats should acknowledge "the harm of Oct. 7" while also recognizing that "what Netanyahu is doing in Gaza is genocide." Nirav Shah, former director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, called for an immediate cut of U.S. aid to Israel, specifically a $3.3 billion amendment before Congress, arguing it funds "the genocide that's occurring in Gaza." Ashley Webb advocated for Washington to cease all military assistance to Israel, comparing U.S. involvement to provoking "wasps and hornets." The state's Democratic Party must select a candidate by July 27.