Democrat Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine, a race considered pivotal for Democrats seeking to gain control of the Senate. The decision follows a series of scandals, including a recent accusation of sexual assault, which he denies.
Platner announced his withdrawal in a video posted to social media, stating that the decision was not an admission of guilt but a response to Democratic leaders' threats to withdraw support for his campaign. He characterized the sexual assault allegation as "false."
"We are suspending campaign operations," Platner said in the 11-minute video, describing the decision as "incredibly difficult."
Under Maine law, candidates must withdraw by July 13 to ensure their names are removed from the ballot. Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, had risen to prominence in the Democratic field with a populist message and endorsements from progressive leaders such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. His momentum was strong enough that his primary opponent, Maine Governor Janet Mills, had suspended her own campaign.
However, Platner's candidacy was subsequently rocked by several controversies. In October, reports emerged of a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he explained as a tattoo acquired while drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia in 2007. Old Reddit posts surfaced in which Platner suggested victims of sexual assault should "take some responsibility for themselves" and avoid excessive intoxication, for which he later asked for forgiveness.
Further scrutiny came in June when The New York Times reported that Platner had exchanged sexual messages with other women while married, a report he acknowledged as true. The Times also published accounts from three former girlfriends accusing him of erratic and angry behavior. Following these reports, Jenny Racicot, one of the women interviewed by The Times, spoke to Politico and CNN, though she declined to go public with specific claims.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Maine Democratic Party both ended their support for Platner's campaign. Several prominent Democrats, including Representatives Ro Khanna and Senators Ruben Gallego and Martin Heinrich, rescinded their endorsements.
Platner's withdrawal makes the race against five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins one of several key contests for Democrats aiming to flip control of the Senate in the upcoming congressional elections. The party had viewed Maine as a potentially competitive state, as no Republican has won the state in a presidential election since 1988.