Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine, citing mounting controversies and calls from within the Democratic party to step aside. The withdrawal followed accusations of sexual misconduct from a former girlfriend and scrutiny over past behavior.
Lyndsey Fifield, who dated Platner between 2013 and 2015, publicly detailed allegations of physical misconduct during their relationship. She stated that Platner sometimes left marks on her body and once confined her to a bedroom. Fifield also alleged that Platner was dating multiple women simultaneously during their relationship.
According to Fifield, Platner reached out to her via text in June 2025, a month before launching his Senate bid. She described the exchange as friendly, with Platner complimenting her life and family photos. However, Fifield also recalled Platner joking about his past and expressing curiosity about what she might have written about their relationship in her diary. "When I saw that he was running, it felt like a knife twist, because he was just trying to take my temperature," Fifield told Fox News Digital, suggesting the outreach was an attempt to gauge her willingness to speak out.
Platner has denied the sexual misconduct allegations, calling them "false" and "not real." He suggested that those in power were using the claims as a pretext to undermine his campaign.
Platner's candidacy had been marked by controversy beyond the recent accusations. He also faced criticism for a Nazi tattoo, past inflammatory online rhetoric, and sexually explicit messages sent to women outside of his marriage.
Despite these issues, some Democrats initially supported Platner's bid to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. However, the sexual assault allegations ultimately prompted widespread calls for his withdrawal from party leaders.
Prior to his campaign, Platner was described by Fifield as charming and charismatic, but also controlling and prone to heavy drinking. She expressed surprise that he was ever considered a viable Senate candidate.
Platner, a Marine Corps combat veteran, had presented himself as a candidate who could overcome past struggles. However, the accumulated controversies led to the suspension of his campaign. The Democratic party is now working to select a new nominee for the Maine Senate race.