Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner formally withdraws from race

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has officially withdrawn his candidacy, with the Maine secretary of state's office confirming the filing of paperwork to remove his name from the November ballot. Platner had publicly stated his intention to exit the race earlier in the week.

In a letter shared on social media, Platner spoke of the populist ideals that fueled his campaign and expressed gratitude to his supporters, calling for the continuation of the movement he built. He noted the significant support he received in the June primary, stating that the ballot line belonged to the people of Maine.

The withdrawal comes amid serious sexual assault allegations made against Platner, which he has denied, calling them false and an attempt by the Democratic establishment to derail his campaign. These accusations followed other controversies, including resurfaced social media posts containing racist, sexist, and homophobic language, which he attributed to PTSD, and a tattoo resembling a Nazi emblem.

The Maine Democratic Party faces a July 27 deadline to select a new nominee to challenge five-term Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins. Several potential contenders are reportedly vying for the nomination, and the party is organizing a nominating convention to meet the deadline. The state is considered crucial for Democratic efforts to gain control of the Senate.