Maine Democratic Senate Candidate Graham Platner Faces Withdrawal Calls After Assault Allegation

A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platnan alleges that he forced her to have sex while he was intoxicated, according to a Politico report. Platnan denied the claim, stating that any accusation of non-consensual behavior is "categorically false," and said he would "reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign.

The allegation has triggered a wave of withdrawals of support. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, led by Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a joint statement urging Platnan to step aside so Democrats can select a new nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego and the political group End Citizens United also withdrew their endorsements.

Maine Democratic Party officials, including chair Charlie Dingman and vice chair Imke Schessler, released a statement calling for Platnan's withdrawal, citing multiple credible accusations against him. State law permits the party to replace a candidate on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with a replacement to be named by July 27.

Platnan, a first-time candidate who won the Democratic primary, has canceled several planned town halls. His background includes service as a Marine, work for a private security contractor, and past controversial statements on social media, including a 2013 Reddit post that minimized sexual-assault responsibility, for which he later apologized.