Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner officially withdraws from race
Summary
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, officially withdrew from the race following a sexual assault allegation, which he denies. The Maine Democratic Party will select a new nominee before the July 27 deadline to run against Republican Senator Susan Collins.Key Facts
- Graham Platner won over 70% of the vote in the Maine Democratic Senate primary in June 2026.
- He suspended his campaign earlier due to a sexual assault allegation from a former girlfriend, which he calls false.
- Platner formally notified the Maine Secretary of State of his withdrawal on July 10, 2026.
- The Maine Democratic Party plans to hold a convention to choose a replacement nominee.
- Platner faced other controversies, including sending explicit texts and having a tattoo with Nazi symbolism, which he covered up after learning its meaning.
- Several prominent Democrats, such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, had supported Platner before his withdrawal.
- Platner stated that the ballot belongs to the people of Maine and expressed support for change and the American dream.
- The withdrawal leaves the race open for a new Democratic candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
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