Maine Democratic Senate Candidate Graham Platner Withdraws, Party to Select Replacement

Graham Platner submitted a formal withdrawal letter to Maine's Division of Elections on Friday, ending his bid for the U.S. Senate and allowing the state Democratic Party to begin the process of naming a replacement candidate. The party has until July 27 at 5 p.m. Eastern time to submit a new nominee, and it plans to hold a convention where candidates can seek the nomination.

Platner's letter, posted on the social media platform X, noted that more than 156,000 voters had supported his campaign and that he was stepping aside to let the electorate decide the next nominee. He said the decision was not based on recent allegations against him but on structural concerns within his campaign.

The withdrawal follows a recent sexual assault allegation made by a former girlfriend, which Platner has denied. State party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson said the allegations were “very real and very credible” and affirmed that the party would involve voters in the selection process, likely through a petition-gathering requirement.

Maine's secretary of state confirmed receipt of Platner's withdrawal filing, which resolves earlier uncertainty about whether he would meet the July 13 filing deadline. The vacancy comes as the Senate race against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins is viewed as pivotal for control of the chamber.

Several potential candidates, including former gubernatorial and Senate primary contenders, have already expressed interest in the nomination. The Democratic Party is working to establish a convention schedule before the statutory deadline to ensure a new candidate appears on the ballot for the November election.