Oyster farmer Graham Platner announced Wednesday night that he is suspending his Maine Senate campaign amid mounting sexual misconduct allegations, leaving Democrats without a nominee to challenge Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) this fall.
In an emotional video posted on X, Platner told supporters, "We're suspending campaign operations. I intend to file my paperwork to withdraw." He denied the allegations as "all false," adding, "This is incredibly difficult, because I know that some will think it's an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not."
Platner said the movement "can't be me" going forward and urged Democrats to keep the nominating process "open, transparent, and democratic."
The allegations trace back to the primary season. Platner easily won the June 9 Democratic primary despite a growing list of controversies, including a sexting scandal, deleted social media posts downplaying sexual assault, and reports of problematic behavior with former partners. He also faced backlash over a since-covered chest tattoo resembling Nazi insignia.
Pressure intensified after Politico reported Monday that a former partner accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in late 2021, before he entered the Senate race. Separately, The Washington Post reported that another former partner accused Platner of removing a condom without her consent during sex. Platner denied both allegations.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the allegations "disqualifying" on Tuesday, urging Platner's replacement while rejecting a "party insider backroom deal" in choosing his successor.
Platner's withdrawal leaves Democrats without a challenger to Collins in what had been viewed as one of the party's strongest opportunities to flip a Senate seat this election cycle. Under Maine law, Democrats can name a replacement nominee if Platner formally withdraws by 5 p.m. July 13, with a final selection due by 5 p.m. July 27.
