Maine Democrats Enforce Nomination Rules After Allegation Against Platner

The Maine Democratic Party accused Graham Platner's campaign of attempting to influence the process for selecting a replacement nominee if he drops out of the U.S. Senate race. Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said Platner's team had repeatedly reached out in an effort to shape the replacement process.

She stated that the campaign has no role in determining the next Democratic nominee or the process itself.

The accusations come after an allegation of sexual assault against Platner was reported by Politico on Monday. Platner has until July 13 to drop out for the party to select a new nominee. The party said it is developing a replacement process but will not make details public until Platner formally steps aside.

Platner's campaign told CNN that Platner would want voters and volunteers, not the political establishment, to make the decision. The campaign also sent a survey to volunteers asking for input on the nomination process and messages for the party. Platner has denied the allegations, stating they are false and that any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.

“Unfortunately, Graham Platner's team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like.”

Potential candidates including former state Sen. Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah have indicated interest in running if Platner withdraws. Jackson said his message aligns with Platner's campaign and that he won support across the state. Shah said his focus remains on issues such as Medicare for all and holding corporations accountable.

If Platner remains on the ballot past the July 13 deadline, he will face Collins in November. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to regain Senate control.