Graham Platner, a former candidate for the Maine Senate who withdrew from the race last month following allegations of sexual assault, is scheduled to speak at a Labor Day event in Ellsworth, Maine, next month.
The event is being organized by Hancock County Activists and Acadia Action Peacemakers, as communicated to the Hancock County Democratic Party. These groups have been active in organizing “No Kings” protests and other events in the area since early last year. Platner is expected to discuss the history of the labor movement in the U.S., a topic he addressed at the same rally last year.
Platner, hailing from Sullivan, Maine, stepped down from the Senate race after a July POLITICO report revealed that a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault in 2021, an allegation Platner has denied.
Marcia Myers, chair of the Hancock County Democratic Party, clarified that the event featuring Platner is not officially sanctioned by the party, although they frequently share information about activist-led events in the region. Social media posts by the county party mentioning Platner’s event were removed, but the event remains listed on the party’s website.
The Bangor Daily News first reported on the event.
Platner did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the event on Thursday.
Troy Jackson, the former Maine Senate President, has replaced Platner in the Senate race as Democrats aim to challenge GOP Sen. Susan Collins in a nationally significant election.
Supporters of Collins have attempted to associate Jackson with Platner, highlighting Jackson’s previous endorsement of Platner’s campaign and his participation in rallies for him. Jackson urged Platner to withdraw from the race following the sexual assault allegation.
Jalen Beckford contributed to this story.Â
