Platner Says He’ll Withdraw From Maine Senate Race After Sexual Assault Allegation

Topline

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race in Maine, announced the suspension of his campaign and said he was filing paperwork to withdraw his candidacy, after a woman accused him of sexual assault, prompting key backers to drop their support and urge him to exit the race.

In an 11-minute video shared on social media, Platner said he was “suspending campaign operations” but that this was “certainly” not an “admission of guilt” regarding the allegations against him.

Platner said the process to replace him on the ballot should be “open, transparent and democratic” and should be driven by the people of Maine.

The candidate also called out the party’s leadership in Washington, saying, “People in D.C. need to stay in D.C.”