Maine's Platner weighs future after new assault allegation

WASHINGTON - Maine Democrat Graham Platner said in a social media video he would reflect on "the best path forward" in his U.S. Senate campaign following a sexual assault allegation published by Politico.

Platner, who is challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins for her U.S. Senate seat, denied the allegation even as several Democrats called for him to step aside.

"Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward, for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," he said.

Platner, a 41-year-old oysterman, has been plagued by a series of scandals, including his since-covered tattoo associated with Nazis and accusations of troubling behavior from previous girlfriends. He did not directly address the story in Politico, simply describing the "troubling, serious and false allegations against me."

The new Politico report cited an on-the-record interview with a woman who claims Platner forced her to have sex with him when he was intoxicated nearly five years ago, despite her repeated objections. The news organization said it had corroborated her allegations with a man the woman later dated as well as emails between the woman and her therapist.

Bloomberg hasn't independently confirmed the allegations. Platner's campaign referred to his video statement.

Several Democrats withdrew their endorsements of Platner in the hours after the report was published. They included Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, who called the allegations "troubling and deeply serious." Representative Ro Khanna said the report was "very serious and credible," adding that Platner "should drop out from the race."

Others calling for Platner to step aside included Alex Vindman, a Florida Democrat running for a Senate seat, and Donna Brazile, the former chair of the Democratic National Committee.

The November Senate race in Maine carries outsized importance for Democrats, who consider it to be one of their best shots at toppling a Republican incumbent and helping secure the net gain of four seats they need to reclaim the chamber. Collins, 73, is seeking a sixth term.

Platner has one week to decide whether to drop out under state law. He would have to withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13, with the state Democratic party then having two weeks to name a replacement candidate.

Potential replacements if Platner drops out include Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her own campaign for the Senate seat after falling behind Platner in polling and fundraising. She remained on the ballot and came in a distant second place in last month's primary.

Democrats aren't limited to candidates who participated in the primary, though, opening up other possibilities such as former state senator Troy Jackson, who had earned Platner's endorsement for the Democratic nominee for governor but came in third place in last month's primary.

Another option is Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who tried to bar President Donald Trump from appearing on Maine's 2024 Republican primary ballot on the grounds that he engaged in insurrection through his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on Congress.

_____

(With assistance from Mike Dorning and Brooke Sutherland.)

_____

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 5:03 PM.