Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, is under pressure to withdraw from the race after a sexual assault allegation surfaced, which he has denied. Amid these developments, Platner has been accused by Maine Democratic officials of attempting to influence the process to select his replacement.

Platner stated he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” following the allegation published on Monday. However, a senior state Democrat declared that Platner’s campaign would have “no role” in choosing his successor, alleging his team tried to sway the process. Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, said, “Graham Platner’s team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like.”

The controversy has drawn calls from prominent Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging Platner to step aside. State Senator Joe Baldacci, who lost in the primary for Maine’s second congressional district, criticized Platner’s interference, stating that after undermining Democratic candidates in Maine, Platner should have no say in his successor.

The Maine Senate race is critical for Democrats’ efforts to regain control of the US Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. According to state law, Platner must end his campaign by 5pm ET on 13 July for the party to finalize an alternative nominee. Names being considered as replacements include Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer who previously challenged Platner.

Sources