Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing increasing pressure as key Democratic allies begin to withdraw their endorsements following a recent sexual assault allegation. Several prominent political figures are also urging Platner to suspend his campaign.
In a joint statement on Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, declared that the committee "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot." This announcement signals a significant shift in support for Platner's campaign.
Platner has vehemently denied the allegations. He shared a video on social media Monday stating, "Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false," and described the claims as "troubling, serious, and false."
This is not the first time Platner has been the subject of controversy. In the past, he has faced scrutiny for inflammatory social media posts and for a tattoo of a recognized Nazi symbol, which he has since covered. The New York Times also recently published an article detailing accounts from multiple women who had previously dated Platner, describing his behavior as "unsettling" and concerning.
The recent allegation has led to a cascade of endorsements being pulled, reflecting a broader concern among Democratic leaders about the viability and integrity of Platner's candidacy.