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Graham Platner officially withdraws from Maine Senate race, Democrats scramble for nominee

Published July 10, 2026 at 10:36 PM UTC

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Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Maine's U.S. Senate seat, has officially withdrawn from the race following a sexual assault allegation. The accusation, reported by Politico, alleges that Platner assaulted a former girlfriend in 2021. Platner has denied the allegations but announced his decision to suspend campaign operations, stating that for the movement to continue, it cannot be him. This development has prompted the Maine Democratic Party to initiate a search for a new candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming November elections. The party has scheduled a nominating convention to select a replacement before the July 27 deadline. Several potential candidates have already expressed interest, including former state senator Troy Jackson, brewery owner Dan Kleban, and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood. The withdrawal of Platner, who had previously defeated establishment-backed Governor Janet Mills in the primary, has raised concerns about the party's ability to maintain competitiveness in the race. The Maine Democratic Party now faces the challenge of unifying its factions and selecting a candidate capable of securing the seat. The situation underscores the complexities of party dynamics and the impact of personal controversies on electoral prospects.