Key facts
- Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing pressure to withdraw due to a sexual assault allegation.
- Platner has denied the allegations, calling them false.
- Several Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have called for Platner's withdrawal.
- Potential replacements for Platner include Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson.
- The deadline for Platner to withdraw is July 13, with the party needing to select a replacement by July 27.
Maine Democrats are in a critical situation as their Senate nominee, Graham Platner, faces intense pressure to withdraw following a sexual assault allegation. The allegation, made by an ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, claims Platner raped her five years ago. Platner has denied the accusation, calling it false, but has acknowledged the "political reality" and is taking time to "reflect on the best path forward."
Several prominent Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have urged Platner to step down to preserve the party's chances of unseating Republican Senator Susan Collins. Democrats fear that Platner's continued candidacy not only endangers the Maine race but could also allow Republicans to shift resources to other competitive Senate contests across the country.
If Platner withdraws by the July 13 deadline, the Maine Democratic Party will have until July 27 to nominate a replacement. Potential candidates being discussed include Nirav Shah, former director of the Maine CDC; Troy Jackson, former Maine Senate president; and Jordan Wood, former chief of staff to Katie Porter. Other names floated include former Senate candidate Dan Kleban and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. The process for selecting a replacement is unprecedented and requires a swift campaign to be mounted by any new nominee.
Democratic strategists acknowledge the tight timeline but believe the race is salvageable if a strong candidate emerges quickly to rally Platner's supporters.