Graham Platner suspends bid for Maine Senate seat amid sexual...

Graham Platner on Wednesday ended his underdog bid for U.S. Senate amid an allegation that he sexually assaulted a Maine woman in 2021. Since Platner withdrew before 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 to choose a replacement candidate. It’s not clear how or when that will happen. Platner’s withdrawal marks a shocking end to one of Maine’s most surprising political stories in recent memory. A political newcomer, he went from a virtual unknown oyster farmer and combat veteran to a leading candidate for U.S. Senate virtually overnight last summer. His campaign launched in August with a splash of national press with the help of the out-of-state political operatives who helped elect Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn. and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to their respective posts. Platner’s candidacy was boosted by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders when the pair held a joint rally last Labor Day in Portland that drew about 6,500 people. Over the last year, Platner held a series of well-attended town halls, amassing a devoted following and thousands of volunteers. His progressive platform of taxing billionaires and calling for expanded social programs and his harsh criticism of the political status quo inspired thousands of Mainers to join his campaign as volunteers. But by October, he was put on the defensive as details of his online commenting history came to light, in which he blamed women for being raped, called rural Americans racist, questioned why Black people don’t tip and used homophobic slurs. Platner then revealed a skull-and-crossbones tattoo he got while on leave with fellow Marines in Croatia in 2007. He said he didn’t know it resembled a Nazi Totenkopf until reporters began asking about it last fall. His campaign remained remarkably resilient. Gov. Janet Mills was the top pick of national Democrats in Washington, D.C., but she suspended her campaign for the Democratic nomination in April after trailing in polling and fundraising. But additional reports surfaced close to the June primary. The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner sent sexually explicit messages with numerous other women shortly after getting married in 2023. The New York Times then reported “disturbing” behavior as described by at least two ex-girlfriends. One woman accused Platner of grabbing her forcefully by the wrists, shoulders and arms during arguments. Platner denied any accusations of physical assault. But Politico’s story about the alleged sexual assault proved to be the final straw. That story detailed an account from Jenny Racicot, a Maine Democrat, who dated Platner casually for two years. She said Platner arrived at her home drunk in 2021 and forced her to have sex with him. Platner denied the accusation Monday, and said his campaign was taking time to reflect on his path forward. By Wednesday, he’d announced he was leaving the race. This is a developing story.