Graham Platner Withdraws from Maine Senate Race Following Allegations

Graham Platner, who secured the Democratic nomination for Maine's Senate seat, officially withdrew from the race on July 10, 2026, after allegations of sexual assault were made against him. The allegations, which surfaced on July 6, led to significant pressure from party members, including Senator Bernie Sanders, for Platner to step down. In a letter to Maine's Secretary of State, Platner expressed gratitude to his supporters and stated that his name should not appear on the ballot, allowing the Maine Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee. The Secretary of State's office confirmed receipt of his withdrawal letter, noting that it was submitted before the July 13 deadline. The party will hold a convention with 600 delegates to vote on a new nominee by July 27. Several candidates, including Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former public health official Nirav Shah, have already expressed interest in running. Platner has denied the allegations, claiming they are false and intended to undermine his campaign. He criticized the political establishment and media for their role in his withdrawal, signing off his letter with a politically charged message.