Graham Platner, a Democrat, announced his withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after facing an allegation of sexual assault. Platner’s exit could exacerbate divisions between the party’s moderate and progressive factions as Democrats debate who should replace him on the ballot.
Background
Platner had faced difficult questions almost from the moment he started his campaign last year, including years-old comments on Reddit that appeared to endorse political violence and dismiss rape in the military. He also had a tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, which he said he was unaware of the history and chose while drunk and on leave with fellow Marines in Croatia.
A woman, Jenny Racicot, alleged that Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop in 2021. Platner denied the allegation as ‘categorically false’ but said he would be ‘taking the time to reflect on the best path forward’ for his campaign. High-level backers, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, pulled their support after the allegation became public.
Next Steps
State law includes a provision for Democrats to replace Platner before the general election. The state Democratic Party held an emergency meeting, where more than 100 state committee members signed off on holding a nominating convention in the event of Platner’s withdrawal. Party officials may select a new nominee if a candidate who won the primary withdraws by 5 p.m. on July 13.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
