Platner Suspends Maine Senate Campaign; Democrats to Hold Convention

Graham Platner announced July 8 that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine. In a video posted on X, the 41-year-old Marine veteran and oyster farmer said the decision followed the loss of the ability to raise money, access voter data or run a campaign.

He denied an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2021 but stated the move was not due to the claims. Platner said the structures needed to continue the campaign were being taken away. “What comes next needs to come from the people, needs to come from the people of Maine,” he said.

“We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me. ” The Maine Democratic Party voted the same day to hold a nominating convention to choose a replacement candidate. State law sets a July 27 deadline for the party to name a candidate for the ballot.

Sen. ” Rep. ” Sen. ” Sen. Bernie Sanders advised Platner to step aside. Platner won the Democratic primary on June 9 after two-term Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the race in late April. Republican Sen.

Susan Collins is seeking a sixth term. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to capture control of the Senate in the 2026 midterms. Maine is the only blue-leaning state with a Republican U.S. senator.