Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing increased pressure to withdraw from the race following a new rape allegation that surfaced on Monday, leading prominent Democratic operatives Neera Tanden and Shannon Watts to publicly call for his departure. The accusation, detailed in a Politico report, alleges that Platner raped a former girlfriend in 2021 while intoxicated and after being repeatedly asked to stop. Platner has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false."
Neera Tanden, CEO of the Center for American Progress, expressed anger at party figures who she believes failed to adequately vet Platner, who has previously faced controversies including a Nazi tattoo and accusations of physical abuse. "I will remain incredibly angry at the people who didn’t vet this candidate, but in life you don’t get the best choices. Unless people show a lot more courage than they have," Tanden stated on X.
Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, echoed Tanden’s sentiments, directly criticizing Democratic leaders who endorsed Platner despite his past issues. "MAYBE LISTEN TO WOMEN IN THE PARTY YOU F------ IDIOTS!!!!" Watts posted on X, listing senators like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Ro Khanna among those who endorsed Platner. Watts also expressed concern about potential replacements, criticizing suggestions that former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, who reportedly faced an altercation with a female colleague, could be a suitable alternative.
Platner released a video on X acknowledging the political fallout from the allegations, stating he would "reflect on the best path forward" for the state and the movement to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins. However, he reiterated that the allegations were false.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who had previously endorsed Platner, dropped his endorsement on Tuesday. Other high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna, have also rescinded their endorsements. Tanden suggested that the candidate who received the most votes in the gubernatorial race might be the most credible option for voters, seemingly distancing herself from proposals to replace Platner with another progressive.
The controversies surrounding Platner have put the Democratic Party in a difficult position as the November general election approaches. The calls for his withdrawal highlight internal party divisions and concerns about the vetting process for candidates nominated in crucial races.