Democrat Graham Platner has announced the suspension of his campaign for the US Senate in Maine. The decision follows a series of controversies, most notably a recent public accusation of sexual assault leveled against him. In the wake of these allegations, which emerged on Monday, top Democratic figures and organizations withdrew their support, urging him to exit the race.
In an 11-minute video posted to the social media platform X, Platner addressed the situation directly. While he explicitly labeled the sexual assault allegation as “false,” he stated that his decision to suspend operations was driven by threats from Democrats to cut off essential campaign support. He clarified that his withdrawal is not an admission of guilt.
Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, had previously gained significant momentum in the race against Republican Susan Collins. His populist message, which focused on progressive policies such as universal health care and affordable housing, had earned him endorsements from prominent figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. His rise was so significant that it led Maine Governor Janet Mills to suspend her own campaign for the nomination.
However, the recent allegation rapidly dismantled his support base. By Monday night, Senators Warren, Ruben Gallego, and Martin Heinrich, along with Representative Ro Khanna, had rescinded their endorsements. Furthermore, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Maine Democratic party both withdrew their backing, leaving the candidate isolated.
Regarding his formal exit, Platner indicated he would file the necessary paperwork to withdraw only once he is assured that the process to select his replacement is “open, transparent, and democratic.” He emphasized that he does not wish to dictate how the party chooses his successor but insisted that the process must reflect the values of the movement. Under Maine state law, Platner is required to officially withdraw by 13 July for a replacement candidate to appear on the ballot for the November midterm elections. The Maine Senate seat is considered a critical target for Democrats, who are aiming to flip control of the Senate.
"We're suspending campaign operations," he said in an 11-minute video posted to X, adding that he would file his paperwork to withdraw only after he was assured the process to replace him would be "open and democratic moving forward".
Platner's disastrous candidacy exposes rifts that could dampen Democrats' Senate hopes
