Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner said in a social media video that he would reflect on “the best path forward” as pressure mounts within the party for him to end his bid following a new sexual assault allegation.
Allegation and Response
Platner, a 41-year-old oysterman and political novice who became a progressive favorite, denied the allegation published Monday by Politico. However, he rapidly lost support from Democrats, who consider ousting Republican incumbent Susan Collins central to their effort to retake the Senate majority in November’s midterm elections.
“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward, for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins,” he said.
Details of the Allegation
The new Politico report cited an on-the-record interview with a woman who claims Platner forced her to have sex with him when he was intoxicated nearly five years ago, despite her repeated objections. Politico said it had corroborated her allegations with a man the woman later dated as well as emails between the woman and her therapist. Bloomberg hasn’t independently confirmed the allegations. Platner’s campaign referred to his video statement.
Platner has been plagued by a series of scandals, including his since-covered tattoo associated with Nazis and accusations of troubling behavior from previous girlfriends. He did not directly address the story in Politico, simply describing the “troubling, serious and false allegations against me.”
Loss of Support
Several Democrats withdrew their endorsements of Platner in the hours after the report was published. They included Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, who called the allegations “troubling and deeply serious.” California Representative Ro Khanna said the report was “very serious and credible,” adding that Platner “should drop out from the race.”
The Maine Democratic Party also called on Platner to step aside, stressing in a statement that it “stands with women and survivors, and that principle does not bend based on party affiliation.” Others urging him to exit the race included Alex Vindman, a Florida Democrat running for a Senate seat, and Donna Brazile, the former chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Political Implications
The November Senate race in Maine carries outsized importance for Democrats, who consider it to be one of their best shots at toppling a Republican incumbent and helping secure the net gain of four seats they need to reclaim the chamber. Collins, 73, is seeking a sixth term.
Platner has one week to decide whether to drop out under state law. He would have to withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13, with the state Democratic party then having two weeks to name a replacement candidate.
