Graham Platner has formally withdrawn his candidacy for the U.S. Senate race in Maine, submitting his withdrawal letter to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State's Division of Elections on Friday. The move comes after mounting controversies, including allegations of sexual misconduct, which Platner has denied.
Platner, who won the Democratic primary on June 9, announced he was suspending his campaign earlier in the week. His withdrawal letter thanked his supporters and stated his belief that for the movement he championed to continue, it could not be him. He concluded the letter with the phrases, "F**k ICE. Free Palestine. Up the Hearts."
The allegations against Platner surfaced shortly after his primary victory. One Maine resident, Jenny Racicot, accused Platner of rape, detailing an encounter from five years prior in interviews with Politico. Another report in The Washington Post detailed an accusation from his ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, who alleged that Platner removed condoms during sex after she had explicitly directed him to wear them. Fifield had previously accused Platner of physical misconduct during their relationship.
Platner has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them "categorically false and politically motivated" in a video statement. He stated that the claims were untrue and not real. Earlier in his campaign, Platner also faced scrutiny for past controversial online comments and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, for which he apologized, citing PTSD from his military service.
The withdrawal creates a vacancy in a key Senate race, with Republicans aiming to hold onto their narrow majority. The Maine Democratic Party is now tasked with selecting a new nominee by July 27. Figures such as former state Senate president Troy Jackson, former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows have emerged as potential replacements. The party has indicated it will hold a nominating convention to choose a new candidate.
Platner ran as an outsider candidate, challenging incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. His campaign had been endorsed by progressive figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders. The controversies surrounding Platner's candidacy drew significant attention and provided ammunition for Republicans in what is considered a pivotal election for control of the Senate.