Maine Democrats are facing internal turmoil as scandal-plagued Senate candidate Graham Platner navigates accusations of sexual assault and considers withdrawing from the race against incumbent Republican Susan Collins. The situation has escalated into a dispute between the state party and Platner's team over who will select his potential replacement.
Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, accused Platner and his campaign of attempting to "put his thumb on the scale" in the process of choosing a new nominee. "We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner's team that they have no role in determining our US Senate nominee, nor in determining what this process looks like," Murphy-Anderson stated in a social media video. Platner's team has denied this, asserting they only wish to ensure that voters and volunteers who supported him are included in the process.
The controversy intensified Tuesday with reports of a new allegation from an ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, who accused Platner of removing condoms during sex without her consent. Racicot previously told Politico that Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop in 2021. She also told CNN that she did not fight back due to fear of Platner, a former Marine. Platner has denied all allegations.
Platner, who became a progressive figurehead in the primary, is now under immense pressure to step down. Senator Bernie Sanders, a long-time supporter, has recommended that Platner "step aside." The urgency is heightened by tight deadlines under Maine law for replacing general election candidates. The deadline for Platner to withdraw is July 13, and any replacement must be named by July 27.
The party is now in a race to establish a process for selecting a new candidate, with potential contenders beginning to emerge. These include Nirav Shah, former director of Maine's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who is evaluating a candidacy and emphasizing the need for an "openness, transparency and robustness" in the selection process. Former gubernatorial nominee Troy Jackson has also filed paperwork to launch an exploratory committee. Other names circulating include Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Dan Kleban, founder of Maine Beer Co.
Progressive groups are closely watching the unfolding events, with some fearing that the party establishment might try to influence the selection process to favor less progressive candidates. Our Revolution, an organization founded by Sanders, has stated, "Progressives overwhelmingly won the primary. A progressive MUST be on the ballot" and is rallying behind Jackson.