Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is among a growing list of Democrats calling for Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race following a bombshell report alleging that he sexually assaulted a woman he previously dated in 2021. The calls underscore mounting pressure on Platner, who has denied the allegation, to step aside so Democrats can choose a different nominee in time for this year’s election. The party is still able to replace Platner if he exits the race by Monday.
Key Statements from Democratic Leaders
“It’s time for Graham Platner to drop out and allow for someone else to be nominated and give Democrats the best chance to win this seat in November,” Kelly said in a statement. The Maine Democratic Party also issued a statement, saying: “The Maine Democratic Party leadership stands with women and survivors, and that principle does not bend based on party affiliation. We respect the women who made the hard decision to come forward. Speaking up is often costly.”
List of Prominent Figures Calling for Platner's Exit
Here’s a running list of prominent Democrats and independents who’ve spoken out:
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
- Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.)
- Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.)
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)
- Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.)
- Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.)
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.)
- Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
- Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)
- Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) (rescinded his endorsement, but did not call for Platner to drop out)
- Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)
- Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)
- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
Platner has denied the allegation, but the deadline for the party to replace him is Monday, adding urgency to the calls for his withdrawal.
