US Senate nominee Platner halts campaign after assault allegations

A string of high-profile Democrats have withdrawn support for Platner following sexual assault allegation.Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the 2026 US midterm elections after a series of controversies, including an accusation of sexual assault from a former girlfriend.A string of high-profile Democrats had withdrawn their support from Platner after Politico reported the woman’s accusation that he had forced her to have sex with him nearly ⁠five years ago. Platner announced his decision to halt his campaign in a social media video posted on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘A rally like none other’: Trump unveils 2026 Republican midterm conventionlist 2 of 3Colorado primary election results: Melat Kiros wins – key takeawayslist 3 of 3Authenticity is what American voters wantend of listPlatner has faced a series of other controversies, including offensive Reddit posts he apologised for and a now-covered tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol.The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, had told the campaign her husband had sent sexually explicit texts to several women early in their marriage. However, Gertner said in a video message that she was “really angry” about the report, and that the two had a “great marriage”.Platner’s decision to suspend his campaign has plunged one of the most competitive races in the 2026 midterm elections into turmoil.The race in Maine is considered crucial for the Democratic Party, which is aiming to win control of the Senate in the November 3 elections. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.The party will now focus on selecting a replacement candidate to take on incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.End of Platner’s rapid political riseAfter Politico reported the sexual assault allegations on Monday, CNN followed with a report that Platner’s former girlfriend accused him of entering her home without permission and raping her while he was intoxicated. Platner flatly denied the allegations.