Graham Platner officially withdraws candidacy for US Senate in Maine

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, has suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. Platner announced his decision in a social media video, stating that "for the movement to continue, it can't be me." He vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "not remotely true" and attributing them to "large forces" working against him. The allegations surfaced after a woman accused Platner of sexual assault in a Politico report. The Democratic establishment, including Senate leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, had called for Platner to withdraw. Platner's campaign had previously faced controversy over past conduct and social media history. Democrats now have a tight deadline to select a replacement candidate to face Republican incumbent Susan Collins.

Democrat Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the US Senate race in Maine following a sexual assault accusation, which he denies. The allegation, made public days prior, prompted calls for his withdrawal from prominent Democrats and the cessation of campaign support from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Maine Democratic party. Platner stated his decision was not an admission of guilt but a response to threats of withdrawn support, and he intends to withdraw officially once a transparent replacement process is assured. This race is considered crucial for Democrats aiming to gain control of the Senate. Platner's campaign had previously faced scrutiny over other scandals, including past controversial remarks and reports of infidelity.

Democratic US Senate candidate Graham Platner has withdrawn his bid for the Maine Senate race following allegations of sexual assault by a former partner. Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer, had gained national attention as an anti-establishment outsider endorsed by progressive Democrats. His withdrawal comes as Democrats aim to flip a Senate seat in Maine, a state that voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins. Platner denies the accusations, stating his exit is not an admission of guilt but a response to the withdrawal of support and campaign structures by the Democratic establishment. The Maine Democratic Party faces challenges in fielding a replacement candidate due to state election rules.

Actor Patrick Dempsey has announced he will not run for a Maine Senate seat, ending speculation he was being considered as a replacement for Democratic nominee Graham Platner. Platner is currently pausing his campaign due to a sexual assault accusation, which he denies. In an editorial, Dempsey stated he realized he did not want to serve in Congress, believing he can contribute more effectively through his existing work, including founding The Dempsey Center. He did not endorse any specific replacement candidate but emphasized the need for integrity and a new approach to governance.

Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the US Senate race in Maine due to "very serious allegations" of sexual assault. Platner, who denies the claims first reported by Politico, is facing increasing pressure from prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren, to step aside. Platner has stated he is reflecting on his path forward. If Platner withdraws by July 13th, Democrats will have until July 27th to select a replacement candidate for the November election, as they aim to flip the seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins.

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing calls to resign following an allegation of sexual assault by a woman he previously dated. Platner denies the accusation and is considering his next steps, having canceled campaign events. The allegation has led to widespread withdrawal of support from national Democrats, putting the party's chances against Republican Sen. Susan Collins at risk. Maine law has strict deadlines for replacing candidates, requiring Platner to withdraw by July 13 for a replacement to be chosen. Potential replacements are already causing division within the Democratic party, with names like former Gov. Janet Mills and former state Senate President Troy Jackson being discussed.

Democratic Party leaders are calling for Graham Platner to withdraw as their nominee for the US Senate race in Maine against Republican Senator Susan Collins. This demand follows media reports of a woman accusing Platner of forcibly having sex with her approximately five years ago. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), stated that the DSCC will not invest in the Maine race if Platner remains the candidate. Platner has denied the accusations and indicated he is reflecting on the best path forward, without specifying if he is considering ending his campaign.

Leading US Democrats are withdrawing their support for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner following allegations of sexual assault made by a former girlfriend. In an interview with Politico, Jenny Racicot accused Platner of forcing nonconsensual sex in late 2021. Platner has denied the allegations. In response to the accusations, prominent Democrats like Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego have rescinded their endorsements. The Maine Democratic Party has called for Platner to withdraw his candidacy, and the political group End Citizens United has also pulled its endorsement, citing the seriousness of the allegations.