Graham Platner, an oyster farmer whose populist platform gained significant attention in Maine, announced on July 9, 2026, that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Platner made the announcement in an emotional video posted on social media, stating, “We’re suspending campaign operations” and expressing his intention to formally withdraw his candidacy.

Platner’s decision follows a series of controversies that surfaced after he won the Democratic primary last month. These included a sexting controversy, deleted social media posts that downplayed sexual assault and criticized law enforcement, and reports of problematic behavior with former romantic partners.

The situation escalated this week when several women who previously dated Platner accused him of serious sexual misconduct. One woman alleged to Politico that Platner sexually assaulted her in late 2021, before he became a Senate candidate. Platner denied all allegations, calling them “all false” and expressed frustration over not having adequate time to defend himself before pressure mounted for him to drop out.

Additionally, an ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, told the Times that Platner referred to his controversial tattoo as “my Totenkopf” and alleged he could be physically rough with her, though she stated he did not cause any injuries.

With Platner’s withdrawal, the Maine Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention to select a new candidate for the general election. Under Maine law, the party can make a replacement nomination if Platner withdraws on or before 5 p.m. local time on July 13.

Platner’s exit leaves Democrats without a nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in the upcoming fall election.

Sources