Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation

Democrat Graham Platner announced he was suspending his campaign for Maine's U.S. Senate seat on Wednesday night in a recorded video posted on social media.

Allegation and party response The announcement came less than 48 hours after Politico published an interview with an ex-girlfriend who alleged that an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited in 2021 and sexually assaulted her. Platner denied the allegation.

State and national Democratic leaders, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, withdrew their endorsements. The national party said it would no longer provide financial support.

Replacement process Maine Democrats must select a new nominee by the state deadline of 27 July. The state party announced it will hold a convention within the next two weeks to choose a replacement. Platner said he would not formally withdraw until assured the process would be open and democratic.

State party chair Devon Murphy-Anderson said the party would seek input from delegates and called Platner's supporters a vital part of the organization. Former state Senator Lynn Bromley, who backed Mills in the primary, said the party needs to maintain the enthusiasm Platner generated among younger voters to remain competitive in November.