Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, officially withdrew his candidacy on Friday afternoon, filing paperwork to remove his name from the November ballot. Maine's secretary of state confirmed the filing, two days after Platner publicly announced his intention to exit the race.
Platner's Letter and Call for Change
In a letter shared on social media, Platner outlined the populist ideals that fueled his rapid rise and widespread support. He expressed gratitude and called for his movement to continue, urging "a new kind of politics." He wrote, "People are desperate for change. For this broken system to be righted. For the American experiment to be furthered," noting the more than 156,000 votes he received in the 9 June primary. "My name may have been on the ballot, but that ballot line belongs to the people of Maine."
Sexual Assault Allegations and Previous Scandals
Platner's letter omitted mention of the sexual assault allegations made against him this week, which prompted his decision to suspend his candidacy. In an 11-minute video posted on Wednesday, he denied the allegations, claiming the Democratic establishment was "using these allegations to take away all of the things we need to run a campaign." He asserted, "This is all false. The things that have been claimed did not happen. It's not real."
The accusations followed other scandals, including resurfaced old social media posts with racist, sexist, and homophobic language, which Platner attributed to struggles with PTSD. He was also questioned about a since-removed chest tattoo resembling a Nazi emblem.
Democrats Seek New Nominee
Democrats have days left to select a new nominee to challenge five-term Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins. Maine is considered a must-win state for Democrats aiming to take control of the Senate. Several contenders have begun jockeying for the nomination, including former state senator Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah. The party is reportedly rushing to organize a nominating convention before the 27 July ballot deadline.
State party executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson told NBC News, "Graham Platner dropping out today was the right thing to do. The allegations that were brought against him were very real and they were very credible."
