Democrat Graham Platner is set to formally withdraw from the Maine Senate race on Monday, following a week of escalating sexual assault allegations that have upended the contest for the open seat.
A source familiar with the campaign confirmed to The Hill that Platner has privately told staff he will file paperwork to exit the race on Monday. That date is critical: under Maine law, Platner must withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13 to allow the state party to select a replacement nominee. If he fails to do so, the party would lose its ability to field a candidate in the general election.
Platner announced Wednesday he was suspending campaign operations after a string of accusations surfaced. Politico reported that a woman alleged Platner raped her in 2021, and another former partner told The Washington Post that Platner removed condoms without consent during sex—a practice known as stealthing. Platner has vehemently denied both claims, but acknowledged his candidacy could not continue as major backers pulled support.
Earlier this week, the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm and prominent allies—including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)—withdrew their endorsements and called for him to step aside. The exodus of support left Platner with little organizational or financial infrastructure.
In a video message, Platner framed his exit as a result of structural pressures rather than the allegations themselves. “We’re not doing it because of the allegations,” he said. “We’re doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.”
The progressive oyster farmer’s departure has already triggered a flood of interest from potential replacements. Multiple candidates have entered the race, though the Maine Democratic Party has not finalized its selection process. State party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson said Wednesday that Democrats have convened special meetings and approved a plan for a nominating convention, with more details to come.
Political analysts note that Platner’s exit leaves the Democratic field wide open in a state that has become increasingly competitive. Senate President Troy Jackson has already jumped into the race, positioning himself as a seasoned legislator capable of uniting the party.
The scandal has also drawn sharp commentary from national figures. Democratic strategist David Axelrod compared Platner’s handling of the situation to former President Donald Trump’s playbook, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) hailed Platner’s exit with blunt language.
Platner’s withdrawal is the latest twist in a race that has drawn national attention, and it underscores the ongoing reckoning within the Democratic Party over how to handle allegations against its candidates. With the filing deadline looming, Maine Democrats face a compressed timeline to unify behind a new standard-bearer.
