Key facts
- Graham Platner's campaign has contacted the state Democratic Party to discuss the process if he withdraws from the U.S. Senate race.
- The party stated Platner has no role in determining the nominee and urged him to drop out.
- Platner faces allegations of sexual assault, which he denies.
- Platner is considering his candidacy after the allegations and has canceled campaign events.
Graham Platner's campaign has reached out to the state Democratic Party to understand the process should he withdraw from the U.S. Senate race, following allegations of sexual assault. A spokesperson for the Platner campaign stated they want voters and volunteers, not the political establishment, to make the decision if he drops out, noting his significant primary vote and volunteer support.
However, a party spokesperson asserted that Platner's team has no role in determining the next nominee or the process, and that he must withdraw to allow Democrats to focus on defeating incumbent Senator Susan Collins. The state Democratic Party remained neutral in the primary between Platner, Governor Janet Mills, and David Costello, though the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee initially backed Mills.
The situation arises after Platner faced calls to drop out following a POLITICO report detailing accusations of sexual assault from a woman he dated nearly five years ago. Platner has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious and false," but has also stated he is taking time to reflect on his candidacy. His campaign has since canceled fundraisers and removed advertisements.