Democratic candidates in Maine are rapidly assembling basic campaigns and skipping traditional methods like TV ads. They aim to appeal to party delegates instead of the general voter population.

Several Maine Democrats are competing to become the new Senate nominee after Graham Platner, who secured the midterm primary, exited the race. Platner faced allegations of rape, which he denies.

Troy Jackson, a logger and former state lawmaker, found himself unexpectedly drawn into this Senate race. He needed to address a tragic incident involving a federal immigration agent who fatally shot a young Colombian man in Biddeford. Jackson sought to express Democratic anger over the event and criticized Senator Susan Collins, the Republican incumbent, for supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding.

Eric LeBrun, Jackson’s campaign videographer, helped him refine his message. LeBrun emphasized the importance of clear communication in the high-stakes environment they face.

The Democratic candidates must quickly transform themselves for an unusual campaign. This campaign will be decided not by the usual primary voters but by 601 delegates at a convention in Bangor on July 25.

On Tuesday, demonstrators marched in downtown Portland, heading to Senator Susan Collins’ office. They represented the Democratic hope to unseat her in the November elections.