BY MIRABEL ODETA
Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner announced Wednesday that he plans to formally withdraw from the Maine Senate race following a series of controversies that disrupted his campaign and created uncertainty in one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 midterm elections.
Platner, a former U.S. Marine and oyster farmer, announced the suspension of his campaign in a video posted on social media. His departure is expected to complicate Democratic efforts to compete for control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
In his announcement, Platner continued to deny allegations of sexual misconduct and argued that efforts to push him out of the race were driven by opposition to his political message and his criticism of the establishment.
“For the movement to continue, it can’t be me, and for that reason we are suspending campaign operations,” Platner said in the video. He added that his decision should not be viewed as an admission of wrongdoing.
Platner said he intended to submit the necessary paperwork to officially remove himself from the ballot. Under Maine election rules, he has until July 13 to complete the withdrawal process. If he exits the race, the Maine Democratic Party will have until July 27 to choose a replacement candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has represented the state in the Senate since 1997.
Shortly before Platner released his statement, the Maine Democratic Party announced that it would hold a nominating convention if he withdrew. More than 100 members of the party’s state committee approved the plan, and party officials said hundreds of delegates could take part in selecting a new nominee.
Party leaders said transparency would be a priority during the replacement process as Democrats attempt to maintain competitiveness in a race that had recently become one of their strongest opportunities to gain a Senate seat.
Platner’s campaign had gained momentum by appealing to progressive voters and emphasizing issues such as universal healthcare, economic inequality, and opposition to concentrated wealth. His populist message helped him build a national profile, but the campaign later faced mounting criticism over allegations and past controversies.
The controversy intensified after reports surfaced that a woman accused Platner of sexual assault. Platner denied the allegations, calling them false. Additional reports included claims from another former partner involving sexual behavior without consent, which his campaign also rejected.
Democratic officials and several prominent supporters moved away from Platner after the allegations became public. Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democratic leaders urged him to leave the race, while some members of Congress withdrew their endorsements. Democratic campaign officials also indicated they would not provide financial support if Platner remained a candidate.
The allegations were not the only challenges facing Platner’s campaign. He previously apologized for offensive online posts, and scrutiny also focused on a tattoo that critics said resembled a Nazi symbol. Platner said he had covered the tattoo and addressed questions about his past.
Reports also raised questions about private behavior during his marriage. Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, defended their relationship in a video statement, describing their marriage as strong.
Platner has acknowledged past struggles, including problems with alcohol and mental health following his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has said he has taken responsibility for previous mistakes and sought forgiveness for his actions.
The process of replacing Platner has already created tension between his campaign team and Democratic Party officials. His campaign manager, Ben Chin, criticized party leaders for excluding Platner’s supporters and volunteers from discussions about selecting a new candidate.
Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson pushed back against those claims, accusing Platner’s campaign of creating distractions while emphasizing the importance of defeating Collins in the general election.
Despite the controversy surrounding Platner, party officials acknowledged the role his supporters played in building the campaign and said they should have a voice in the process of selecting a replacement.
Several possible candidates have drawn attention as Democrats begin the search for a new nominee. Actor Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on the television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” said he had considered seeking the nomination but ultimately decided against entering the race.
With Platner’s expected withdrawal, Democrats now face the challenge of quickly uniting behind a new candidate while preserving the enthusiasm generated by his campaign. The decision could significantly reshape the dynamics of the Maine Senate contest as both parties prepare for the 2026 elections.
Original article
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