Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner convened meetings with his campaign leadership on Wednesday to discuss his future in the race, as he faces accusations of rape and mounting pressure from the Democratic Party to withdraw. Platner, who has denied the allegations, must decide by Monday whether to withdraw from the ballot.
A source familiar with the deliberations told The Post that top adviser Morris Katz is working to develop a plan for Platner to "remain a voice" in the Senate contest regardless of his decision. Katz reportedly believes Platner needs to leave the race before the ballot withdrawal deadline.
Platner's continued presence in the race has left Democrats "livid" and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) "in shock," according to the source. Campaign manager Ben Chin and deputy Eleni Neyland were among the officials seen entering Platner's home on Wednesday. Field director Spencer Toth and digital communications consultant Ryan Aquilina were also present.
Platner announced on Monday that he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" after a former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, accused him of breaking into her home and raping her in 2021. Platner has called the accusations "categorically false."
Following the allegations, prominent backers including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren publicly urged Platner to step aside. Key financial and logistical supporters, including the DSCC, have indicated they will not support the campaign if Platner remains a candidate.
Under Maine law, Platner must withdraw by the close of business on July 13 to be removed from the ballot. If he withdraws, the Maine Democratic Party will have two weeks to select a replacement nominee. State party officials are reportedly exploring processes for choosing a new candidate, with the Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson stating that the party is working to develop an "open, inclusive, transparent and fair" process.
Platner's team has denied attempting to influence the selection process for a replacement nominee. The candidate himself reportedly wants assurances that any successor would share his political ideology. A spokesperson for the Platner campaign stated that they have only reached out to the party to "understand what this process would look like."