Graham Platner Drops Out Of Maine Senate Race After Sexual Misconduct Accusations

Graham Platner is out of the Maine Senate race. The Democratic candidate announced Wednesday that he's suspending his campaign, posting an eleven-minute video on X explaining the decision.

"We believe that for the movement to continue, it can't be me," Platner said. "For that reason, we are suspending campaign operations."

The move comes just days after a former romantic partner accused Platner of sexual assault, the latest in a string of controversies that have followed his campaign. Platner denies the allegations. "This is all false," he said, adding that he isn't stepping aside because of the accusations themselves, but because of what he called the structures being taken away by "those in power."

Members of both parties had been calling on Platner to step aside before Wednesday's announcement. Democratic strategist Jesse Mermell said the exit was overdue. "He needed to do it immediately when the allegations came forward," Mermell said. "The fact that it took several days, I think, is yet another stain on his record and his reputation, but it's happened."

Fellow strategist Evan Falchuk agreed, saying Platner's timing at least gives Democrats a chance to regroup. "I think it's a good thing that he did it before July 13th so that there could be a new selection process," Falchuk said. "This is not someone that belonged in public life to begin with."

Maine Democrats now have until July 27th to name a new candidate for the ballot. Mermell said the party needs to move fast. "Hopefully they can do that sooner rather than later so that person can start raising money, telling their story and building a movement to win and get rid of Susan Collins and help Democrats take back the Senate in November," she said.

Strategists say Platner shouldn't have a say in picking his replacement. "Platner is responsible for why this seat is now at risk for Democrats," Falchuk said. "They shouldn't be listening to him in any event."