Over half of the Senate Democratic caucus has urged Graham Platner to exit the Maine Senate race. This comes less than a day after POLITICO reported allegations of sexual assault against Platner by a woman he previously dated.
Platner has denied these accusations.
Initially, many Democrats continued to support Platner despite his campaign being marred by repeated scandals. However, by Tuesday, sentiment had shifted significantly, with 34 out of 47 Democratic senators advocating for his withdrawal by early afternoon.
Some former allies, who had previously resisted distancing themselves from Platner, also joined the call for his withdrawal. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stated that after discussing with Platner, he advised him to step aside due to the serious nature of the allegations.
Additionally, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) emphasized there “can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” a stark contrast to her earlier praise of Platner as “my kind of man” during an April campaign event.
PROMINENT LEADERS CALL FOR WITHDRAWAL
POLITICO’s review of Democratic senators’ public statements and social media posts shows prominent leaders joining the call for Platner’s withdrawal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, issued a joint statement urging him to withdraw, stating the DSCC would not fund the Maine Senate race if Platner remains a candidate.
Several Democratic senators have yet to comment publicly on Platner and did not respond to POLITICO’s request for their position. Following the publication of this information, six senators — Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.); Chris Murphy (D-Conn.); Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii); Patty Murray (D-Wash.); Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.); and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) — expressed that Platner should drop out.
CALLS FOR RESIGNATION EXPAND
Beyond senators, the Maine Democratic Party released a joint statement advocating for Platner’s withdrawal. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who shares advisors with Platner but has not endorsed him, also urged him to step down on Tuesday.
Platner, maintaining his innocence, acknowledged the political realities his campaign faces and is contemplating the best path forward for Maine as stated in a video on social media released Monday after the POLITICO report.
His campaign has not yet made a final decision.
Platner’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the senators’ calls for his withdrawal.
OTHER REACTIONS
Maine Sen. Angus King, an independent caucusing with Democrats, stated through his office that he would not comment on Platner due to a policy against commenting on races involving colleagues.
Two Democratic senators who had endorsed Platner, Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), withdrew their endorsements and criticized him, though they did not explicitly demand he drop out. Whitehouse’s office referenced a previous statement when asked if he would call for Platner’s withdrawal, while Gallego did not immediately respond to inquiries about his stance.
“The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious,” Gallego commented on X, announcing the rescission of his endorsement.
