Senior Democrats are urging Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the Maine Senate seat, to withdraw from the race against incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). This call follows allegations reported by Politico, where a woman claimed Platner sexually assaulted her while intoxicated five years ago. Platner has denied these allegations and stated that his campaign will take time to reflect.
In a joint statement, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed that Platner should step aside to allow for a new candidate. They stated, "Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins."
Lauren French, a spokesperson for the Senate Majority PAC, announced that the organization would redirect resources from Maine and urged Platner to withdraw, citing serious claims from multiple women that raise questions about his fitness for office. The Senate Majority PAC has invested nearly $25 million in support of Platner but indicated that it cannot continue to invest in his campaign amid the allegations.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and other Democratic representatives have also called for Platner's withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of the Senate election in Maine. The Maine Democratic Party has joined in urging Platner to step down. The urgency for a decision is heightened by a Maine law that requires Platner to withdraw by July 13 for the party to select a new candidate, with a deadline of July 27 to finalize a nominee.