An empty stage is seen at a Graham Platner marketing campaign occasion on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.
CJ Gunther/Getty Photographs
conceal caption
toggle caption
CJ Gunther/Getty Photographs
The scandal-ridden Senate marketing campaign of Graham Platner in Maine has come to a screeching finish, after a rape allegation triggered practically each one in all his Democratic allies to withdraw their help.
Platner made the announcement in a video posted to social media on Wednesday.
“We consider that for the motion to proceed, it could actually’t be me. And for that cause, we’re suspending marketing campaign operations,” he stated.
“That is extremely troublesome as a result of I do know that some will suppose it is an act of contrition, and it most actually isn’t,” he continued. “We’re not doing it due to the allegations. We’re doing it due to the constructions which might be being taken away from us by these in energy.”
Democrats largely stood by Platner all through repeated controversies — from the tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi image to deleted offensive Reddit posts to a report that he despatched ladies sexually specific messages whereas married.
However the purple line got here within the type of a Politico article on Monday, which reported that Jenny Racicot, a girl who had beforehand had a relationship with Platner, alleges he entered her dwelling in 2021, intoxicated and with out her permission, and sexually assaulted her. Platner has denied the allegation, saying, “Any accusation of non-consensual habits is categorically unfaithful.”
Previous to the Politico story, Racicot was included in a New York Instances report that includes three ladies who stated they as soon as had romantic relationships with Platner and characterised Platner’s habits as “unsettling”; Racicot didn’t element the rape allegation in that story. She’s since described the alleged assault, and her preliminary reluctance to talk out to CNN.
Within the speedy aftermath of the Politico story, Platner forged doubt on the way forward for his marketing campaign, saying in a social media video he was “taking the time to replicate on one of the best path ahead for the state that I really like, the those that I really like, the motion I belong to and the purpose of defeating Susan Collins.”
Within the meantime, a number of Democratic lawmakers — together with Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego and Sen. Elizabeth Warren — rescinded their endorsements. Platner additionally misplaced help from one in all his earliest backers, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. The Maine Democratic Get together additionally known as on Platner to withdraw from the race.
However the demise knell got here when the marketing campaign arm for Senate Democrats vowed to not spend money on the race if Platner remained on the poll.
For greater than 48 hours, Platner confronted rising strain from fellow Democrats to withdraw speedily, going through an already-ticking clock. State election guidelines dictate that Platner would want to withdraw by Monday, July 13 to ensure that the state celebration to call a brand new nominee earlier than the deadline of July 27.
What occurs now?
Many Democrats as soon as considered Platner not solely as a candidate that would unseat incumbent GOP Sen. Susan Collins, however as one who might supply a blueprint for championing anti-establishment concepts and an financial populist message.
Now, they’re scrambling to determine what comes subsequent.
Democrats had hoped a path to retake the Senate ran by way of Maine, a state that President Trump misplaced in 2024. The celebration must internet a complete of 4 seats this November to win again the bulk, but when they’re unable to hold Maine, that path turns into rather more slim.
“It’s just about unimaginable to see a path for Senate Democrats again to the bulk if they don’t flip Maine,” stated Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors editor at Prepare dinner Political Report.
On Wednesday, the Maine Democratic Get together stated it held a gathering with over 100 of its members who voted to carry a nominating conference to decide on a brand new nominee “if there’s a emptiness to fill.” It stated further particulars would comply with.
“There’s an unprecedented quantity of vitality and enthusiasm amongst Maine Democrats, pushed partially by most of the devoted volunteers and supporters who had been impressed by Graham Platner’s marketing campaign. We look ahead to coming collectively and harnessing that vitality round our new nominee as we work to defeat Susan Collins in November,” the celebration stated in a press release.
Graham Platner speaks on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.
CJ Gunther/Getty Photographs
conceal caption
toggle caption
CJ Gunther/Getty Photographs
Jockeying has already commenced within the state for the one that would possibly take up the mantle of Senate Democratic nominee, together with amongst those that did not safe the gubernatorial nomination. That features Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former head of the Maine CDC Nirav Shah and former state Senate President Troy Jackson.
An exploratory committee has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Fee on behalf of Jackson. Taylor stated Jackson has the white, working-class populist attraction that Platner had – however his shut ties to Platner might characterize a problem.
Shah stated he is “evaluating” whether or not to run and that anybody operating for the nomination ought to conform to a minimum of one televised debate and maintain a number of public city halls. Taylor famous Shah “created a bond with Mainers” throughout his time as well being director however added his tenuous ties to the state (together with voting in Georgia in 2024) might convey difficulties.
In the meantime, Bellows has historical past with Collins — she ran towards her in 2014 and misplaced by 37 factors; a gulf that will give Democrats pause.
One other potential candidate is Maine Beer Firm proprietor Dan Kleban, who had a quick marketing campaign for Senate final yr earlier than endorsing Gov. Janet Mills.
“Just about any Democrat that doesn’t have as substantial baggage as Platner represents a a lot better probability towards Susan Collins,” Taylor stated. “They’d be beginning this race very late, in the identical approach that Kamala Harris changed Joe Biden on the poll. We’re hitting the ultimate dash there, however a recent nominee makes this race about Susan Collins once more, which is what Democrats want.”
