The Maine Democratic Party has informed U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner and his campaign that they will not have a role in selecting a replacement nominee, should Platner withdraw from the race. This directive comes amid mounting pressure for Platner to step down following a Politico report detailing sexual assault allegations from a woman who previously dated him. Platner has denied the accusations but is reportedly considering his options.
Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, stated in a video posted to X that the party is working to establish an open, inclusive, transparent, and fair process for choosing a new candidate. She asserted that Platner's team has repeatedly attempted to influence this process, a claim the Platner campaign disputes.
A representative for the Platner campaign stated that they have only reached out to the party to understand the replacement process and have not tried to "put their finger on the scale." The campaign official also emphasized that the thousands of voters and volunteers who supported Platner should have a voice in the decision, rather than the "political establishment."
Maine Democratic Party leaders publicly called for Platner's withdrawal on Monday, citing "multiple women" who have made "serious, credible allegations." The party reiterated that they "stand with women and survivors." They also clarified that no replacement process can begin unless Platner suspends his campaign, and that a nominee cannot legally be selected by an individual campaign.
The deadline for a nominee to withdraw is July 13, with the deadline for submitting a new nominee set for July 27. If Platner does not withdraw by the July 13 deadline, Democrats will lose the opportunity to name a replacement. The race is considered a key pickup opportunity for Democrats aiming to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Potential replacements mentioned in media reports include former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah, former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.