Graham Platner announced he is suspending his Maine Senate campaign on Wednesday night amid mounting sexual misconduct allegations, leaving Democrats currently without a nominee to challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) this fall.
Platner Denies Claims, Cites Movement Over Self
“We’re suspending campaign operations,” Platner told supporters in an emotional video posted on X. “I intend to file my paperwork to withdraw.”
He denied the allegations as “all false,” adding, “This is incredibly difficult, because I know that some will think it’s an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not.”
Platner said the movement “can’t be me” going forward and urged Democrats to keep the nominating process “open, transparent, and democratic.”
Scandals Trace Back to Primary Season
Platner easily won the Jun. 9 Democratic primary despite a growing list of controversies, including a sexting scandal, deleted social media posts downplaying sexual assault and reports of problematic behavior with former partners. He also faced backlash over a since-covered chest tattoo resembling Nazi insignia.
The pressure intensified after Politico reported on Monday that a former partner accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in late 2021, before he entered the Senate race. Separately, The Washington Post reported that another former partner accused Platner of removing a condom without her consent during sex. Platner denied both allegations.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the allegations on Platner “disqualifying” on Tuesday, urging Platner’s replacement while rejecting a “party insider backroom deal” in choosing his successor.
Clock to Fill Vacancy
Platner’s withdrawal leaves Democrats without a challenger to Collins in what had been viewed as one of the party’s strongest opportunities to flip a Senate seat this election cycle.
Under Maine law, Democrats can name a replacement nominee if Platner formally withdraws by 5 p.m. Jul. 13, with a final selection due by 5 p.m. Jul. 27.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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