Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the US Senate race in Maine, citing "very serious allegations" of sexual assault. Sanders, one of Platner's earliest and most influential supporters, is the latest high-profile figure to urge the candidate to step aside.
Allegations and response
In a report published by Politico on Monday, Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated Platner, said he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections. Platner denied the claims in a statement to Politico. Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, said: "I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside."
Growing calls for withdrawal
Zohran Mamdani, New York City's mayor and another progressive figure, said the "only appropriate response" was to end the campaign. "I believe that it's time for him to drop out of the race," Mamdani told reporters. Institutional support collapsed rapidly. Chuck Schumer, the US Senate minority leader, and Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs the party's Senate campaign arm, called for Platner's withdrawal and said the committee would not fund his campaign if he remained on the ballot. Maine's state party leadership also urged him to step down. Senator Elizabeth Warren, previously a vocal backer, asked him to withdraw, while Senator Ruben Gallego and Representative Ro Khanna rescinded their endorsements.
Campaign background
Platner, 41, entered the race last August virtually unknown. A Marine Corps combat veteran turned Maine oyster farmer, his viral, anti-establishment campaign overtook state governor Janet Mills, the party establishment's preferred candidate, before she withdrew. He went on to win the primary by the largest margin in state history, making Maine one of the Democrats' best hopes of flipping a Senate seat this cycle. The race is seen as a crucial chance for Democrats to pick up a US Senate seat, as the party vies to regain control of the upper chamber. The seat is currently held by five-term Republican Susan Collins.
Next steps
In order for Democrats to finalize an alternative Senate nominee in Maine, Platner needs to end his campaign by Monday 13 July at 5pm ET, according to state law. This would grant Democrats a two-week window until 5pm ET on Monday 27 July to pick a replacement to be on the ballot for November's general election. Platner has said he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" in the wake of the story.
