Key facts
- Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
- Platner cited a sexual assault accusation and other scandals as reasons for his withdrawal.
- He denied the assault allegation, calling it false.
- Platner stated his decision was influenced by Democrats' threats to cut off campaign support.
- Platner indicated he would officially withdraw once a transparent and democratic process for selecting a replacement is assured.
- The race is considered pivotal for Democrats seeking to control the U.S. Senate.
Democrat Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine, following a sexual assault accusation and a series of other scandals. Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran who had built a grassroots campaign, denied the assault allegation, stating it was false and that his decision was due to Democrats threatening to withdraw campaign support.
In a video posted online, Platner said his campaign operations were suspended and he would officially file to withdraw once assured that the process to select his replacement would be transparent and democratic. He emphasized he was not trying to dictate who should replace him but that the process must reflect the will of the people.
The assault allegation, made public by Politico, led to swift calls for his withdrawal from prominent Democrats, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and Representatives Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego, who rescinded their endorsements. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Maine Democratic Party also ended their backing.
Platner's campaign had previously faced scrutiny over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and old Reddit posts where he suggested sexual assault victims should "take some responsibility for themselves." Reports also emerged of him exchanging sexual messages with other women while married and exhibiting erratic behavior.
Under Maine law, Platner must officially withdraw by July 13 for a replacement to be put on the ballot. The state party has until July 27 to name a new nominee. The race is considered critical for Democrats aiming to gain control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming elections. Two individuals, Dan Kleban and Valli Geiger, have reportedly entered the race to replace Platner.