Maine state Representative Valli Geiger (D) has revealed that former U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner personally encouraged her to step into the race as his replacement, just days before he suspended his campaign amid a swirl of sexual assault allegations. Geiger told local outlet WMTW that Platner reached out to her earlier this week, urging her to consider entering the contest to challenge incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).
According to Geiger, Platner told her, “Valli you are a fighter, you have been with this movement since the beginning,” as he floated the idea of her taking his place on the ballot. However, Geiger also indicated that Platner, a progressive oyster farmer, mentioned other potential candidates as possible replacements. The conversation came as Platner faced mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside.
A spokesperson for Platner’s campaign confirmed the call but downplayed any formal endorsement. “Graham called Valli to thank her for her support and encouraged her to consider running if he stepped down,” the spokesperson said, adding that Platner has “not made any decision on endorsing.” The careful wording suggests Platner is keeping his options open as the Maine Democratic Party scrambles to find a new nominee before the July 27 deadline.
Platner announced late Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign operations and intended to file paperwork to withdraw from the race. In a video posted to X, he said, “I intend to file my paperwork to withdraw. The process needs to assure that what comes next is reflective of the Mainers, who on June 9 turned out and showed that they are desperate for a different kind of politics.” The move came after Democratic lawmakers demanded a probe into the allegations and many party figures pulled their endorsements.
Platner has until 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 13, to formally exit the race. After that, the Maine Democratic Party will have until July 27 to select a replacement. The party is already facing internal strife over the process, with some staffers claiming grassroots voices are being excluded from the decision. The turmoil has intensified as Maine Democrats remain plagued by internal strife ahead of the deadline.
The scandal that derailed Platner’s campaign has been building for weeks. Despite easily winning the Democratic primary in June, he faced a cascade of controversies: a sexting scandal, revelations that he covered up a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and reports from former romantic partners describing toxic behavior. The final blow came when multiple sexual assault allegations surfaced, which Platner has denied. In a notable moment, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) hailed Platner's exit with a blunt remark: “The trash took itself out.”
Meanwhile, other potential candidates are circling the race. State Senate President Troy Jackson has already entered the contest following Platner’s exit, while former state representative Matt Dempsey has ruled out a Senate run and urged the party to chart a new direction. The search for a replacement comes as national attention turns to Maine, a key battleground in the fight for control of the Senate. With Platner’s departure, Democrats are scrambling to find a viable candidate to take on Collins, who remains a formidable incumbent.
Geiger’s disclosure adds a new layer of intrigue to the already chaotic process. Whether she or another candidate ultimately secures the nomination, the episode underscores the deep fractures within the Maine Democratic Party as it tries to move past Platner’s scandal-plagued campaign.
