Graham Platner Withdraws Maine Senate Bid After Rape Accusation, Denies Allegation

Platner quits Maine race

Graham Platner, Maine's Democratic nominee for Senate, filed paperwork to withdraw his candidacy after an accusation of rape by a former romantic partner, and the Maine Secretary of State said he submitted the necessary withdrawal paperwork two days after he announced he planned to do so. Platner denied the allegation and said in his withdrawal notice that “people are desperate for change” and that he will continue to fight for “the movement we have built together and the future we believe in.” The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 to pick Platner's replacement, and the party said it intends to hold a new nominating convention where around 600 delegates will select the successor.

In an 11-minute video posted to social media on July 8, Platner said he was suspending campaign operations because “We are going to lose our ability to fundraise.” The BBC reported that under state law, Platner has to officially drop out by 13 July for a replacement name to be put on the ballot, with the race described as pivotal to Democrats’ chances of gaining control of the US Senate in November.

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Denials, endorsements, and Trump

As Democrats called on Platner to drop out after the allegation, Platner said in a video posted online that his decision was not an admission of guilt but due to Democrats' threats to cut off campaign support, and he called the assault allegation "false".

The BBC quoted Platner saying, “We're suspending campaign operations,” and it also reported that he would file his paperwork to withdraw only after he was assured the process to replace him would be "open and democratic moving forward".

President Trump weighed in on the accusations on Air Force One, telling reporters, “It’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman. A lot of people say big falsehoods,” and adding, “He’s in a bind.”

The Hill reported that several lawmakers including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren withdrew their endorsements, while Our Revolution endorsed former Maine state Sen. Troy Jackson to replace Platner on the ballot.

WBUR said Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Platner to step aside, quoting Sanders: “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” and it also reported that the state party has until July 27 to replace his name on the ballot.

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Legal questions and stakes

USA TODAY reported that the allegations against Platner could constitute gross sexual assault, a felony crime in Maine law used to prosecute rape, citing Maine criminal defense lawyer William T. Bly.

Bly said, “A lot of it's going to come down to victim credibility and what, if any, corroborating evidence can they get?” and USA TODAY reported that Hancock County District Attorney Bob Granger said his office cannot comment on whether any criminal investigation exists.

USA TODAY also reported that Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for Maine's Department of Public Safety, told USA TODAY in an email that the Maine State Police haven't received or investigated any criminal complaints involving Platner.

The BBC framed the political stakes around Democrats’ effort to flip Collins’ seat, saying Maine is considered a must-win state for Democrats to take the majority in the Senate and describing the party’s task as needing to flip Collins' seat, hold on to all their existing seats and gain three more in the November midterm election.

WBUR said Platner’s exit leaves an unclear path forward for Democrats and quoted Sen. Elizabeth Warren calling for him to step aside, saying, “With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”

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