Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, suspended his campaign on July 9, 2026, amid mounting controversies and sexual assault allegations. Platner had won a landslide victory in the June 9 Democratic Senate primary but announced his exit just days after a report surfaced containing a rape allegation from a woman he previously dated.

The allegations include claims reported by Politico that Platner raped a woman five years ago, and another woman told The Washington Post that Platner removed condoms without her consent during sex. Additionally, exes have accused him of physical misconduct and unsettling behavior toward women. Platner's campaign has denied some allegations, calling them "categorically false and politically motivated," citing the accuser's ties to the conservative Heritage Foundation.

Platner, a populist Democrat endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, had acknowledged battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan and apologized for controversial Reddit posts made early in his campaign.

California Governor Gavin Newsom urged Democrats to move on from Platner and focus on the nominating process to support a new Democratic candidate. Meanwhile, MS NOW host Jen Psaki described Platner's political career as "enraging for all of us," highlighting the bravery of the women who came forward.

Maine is a key state in the Democratic Party's plan to regain control of the U.S. Senate. Platner's withdrawal leaves the party scrambling to replace him before a critical deadline to ensure a Democratic nominee appears on the general election ballot. Janet Mills, who previously dropped out due to fundraising challenges, had won the Democratic Party nomination before Platner's primary victory.

The situation remains fluid as Maine Democrats navigate the unexpected developments in a crucial Senate race.

Sources