Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure to end his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine after Politico reported an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman he was dating in 2021. Platner has denied the claim.

On Tuesday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a key supporter of Platner's campaign, said he advised Platner to withdraw from the race. “I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” Sanders said in a brief statement. “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”

Platner has been running to unseat Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) as Democrats aim to reclaim their Senate majority in the upcoming November elections.

Sanders is the latest Democrat to withdraw support following the allegations, joining several Senate colleagues including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who have also pulled their endorsements. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand have called on Platner to step aside to allow a new candidate to challenge Collins.

Prominent progressive figures, such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have likewise voiced opposition to Platner continuing his campaign.

Sources