The Maine Democratic Party may soon be without a candidate if Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner withdraws his bid following a new sexual assault allegation against him. Platner has been accused by a former partner of sexually assaulting her while intoxicated five years ago, prompting calls from various Democrats for him to step aside from the Senate race against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
Platner has until July 13 to withdraw, which would allow the state party committee until July 27 to name a replacement. However, the process for selecting a new candidate remains unclear. Reports indicate that Platner wishes to have input on his potential replacement, although Rebecca Katz, a consultant for Platner, stated that claims he would only withdraw with a say in the replacement are false.
Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson described the situation as unprecedented and noted that party leadership is consulting with legal counsel to ensure compliance with state law and party charter. Murphy-Anderson emphasized the need for a transparent process and stated that updates would be provided soon.
Party officials are considering options such as a convention or statewide caucus to select a new nominee. Joe Baldacci, a former U.S. House candidate, expressed that any new nominee should be independent of Platner to avoid negative perceptions from voters. The calls for Platner's withdrawal intensified after allegations from Jenny Racicot, who claimed that Platner assaulted her after entering her home while drunk. Platner has denied these allegations. If he withdraws after the July 13 deadline for reasons other than serious illness or death, the Maine Democrats will not be able to select a new nominee under state law.