(Dan Kleban / Substack)

The beer biz and national politics don’t ordinarily mix all that much. Most craft brewers have their full just keeping their own businesses growing and their taproom’s full. But every now and then, the worlds of beer and politics can collide, and that’s exactly what’s happening in Maine.

Dan Kleban, the co-founder of the highly regarded Maine Beer Company, has officially re-entered the race for the U.S. Senate. On July 8, Kleban announced he’s once again seeking the Democratic nomination after the party was forced to find a new candidate following the suspension of Graham Platner’s campaign amid sexual assault allegations. Platner has denied the accusations.

Because Maine’s Democratic primary has already taken place, party leaders now have until July 27 to select a replacement through an expedited nominating process. If chosen, Kleban would advance to the November election against longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins.

For craft beer fans, Kleban is best known for helping build Maine Beer Company into one of the country’s most respected breweries. Founded in Freeport in 2009 with his brother David, the brewery has earned a loyal following for beers like Lunch, Dinner and Peeper, while also becoming known for its environmental stewardship and its long-running “Do What’s Right” philosophy.

This from Kleban’s Substack announcement:

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the countless calls from Mainers encouraging me to consider this race. I love Maine and everything it has given me. This is where I started and grew a successful business focused on doing what’s right for workers and our community. It’s where my wife of 22 years and I have raised our teenage twins. And after talking with them, I’m in.”

“Over the next two weeks, we need an open, transparent process to select our nominee. I’m ready to fight for Mainers and bring a new generation of leadership to Washington. I believe I can unite our party and finally defeat Susan Collins in November.”

This isn’t Kleban’s first run at the Senate. He launched a campaign in September 2025, citing his experience as a small business owner and community leader before ending his bid a month later to support Governor Janet Mills after national Democratic leaders encouraged her to enter the race. Mills later suspended her campaign, opening the door for Platner to secure the Democratic nomination.

Now, with the Democratic field suddenly back in flux, Kleban is making another attempt.

And he won’t have the path to himself. Former state Senate President Troy Jackson has already entered the race, while state Representative Valli Geiger, former candidate David Costello and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows are all either running or considering bids.

The unusual turn of events means one of craft beer’s best-known brewery founders could soon find himself back on the campaign trail, with just weeks to convince party leaders he’s the right person to take on one of the Senate’s longest-serving incumbents.