Maine Democratic Senate Candidate Faces Pressure to Withdraw After Sexual Assault Allegation

WASHINGTON: Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure from party leaders to withdraw from the race after a former partner accused him of sexual assault, prompting several prominent Democrats to revoke their endorsements and throwing the party’s campaign into uncertainty.

The allegation was made by a woman who previously dated Platner, claiming he forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections during an incident in 2021. The accusation was first reported by Politico. Platner has strongly denied the allegation, maintaining that it is false, but acknowledged its political impact and said he is taking time to consider the future of his campaign.

In a joint statement, senior Democratic leaders, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, called on Platner to immediately withdraw as the party’s nominee, arguing that Democrats should have the opportunity to nominate a candidate capable of challenging incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November election. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has also announced it will not support Platner’s campaign if he remains the nominee.

Representative Ro Khanna, who had previously endorsed Platner, also withdrew his support, describing the allegations as serious and credible. Other Democratic figures have similarly distanced themselves from the candidate as the controversy continues to unfold.

Under Maine law, Platner can still be replaced on the general election ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with party officials required to select a replacement candidate by July 27. The allegations have complicated Democratic efforts to unseat Senator Collins in one of the party’s key Senate battleground races.