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Democrats are left scrambling for a new Maine Senate candidate

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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner announced Wednesday that he is ending his campaign in Maine, forcing party leaders to quickly find a new challenger to Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.

Platner, a former Marine and oysterman, said he would formally withdraw from the race by the July 13 deadline, allowing the Maine Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee before the July 27 deadline.

In a video posted on social media, Platner denied allegations of sexual assault that surfaced in recent days and said his decision should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt. He argued that efforts to remove him from the race were driven by political opponents and establishment interests but said the broader political movement he supported needed to continue without him.

His departure follows a series of controversies that engulfed the campaign. In addition to the sexual assault allegations, which Platner has denied, former associates made other accusations about his past conduct. Earlier in the campaign, he apologized for offensive social media posts and addressed criticism over a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, saying it had since been covered.

The Maine Democratic Party had already begun preparing for the possibility of Platner’s withdrawal. Party leaders voted Wednesday to hold a nominating convention to choose a replacement candidate if he officially leaves the race, saying the selection process would be open and transparent.

The race is considered one of Democrats’ best opportunities to gain a Senate seat in the November midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, making the outcome in Maine especially significant.

Several potential replacement candidates are already being discussed, although actor Patrick Dempsey, a Maine native best known for his role on *Grey’s Anatomy*, announced he will not seek the Democratic nomination.

Platner’s withdrawal comes after prominent Democratic leaders, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, urged him to step aside. Several members of Congress withdrew their endorsements, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said it would withhold financial support if Platner remained on the ballot.

Source: Reuters

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