- Sexual assault allegation against Graham Platner has emerged, prompting top Democrats to call for him to drop out of the Senate race.
- Platner insisted the allegation is "categorically false" but stated his campaign is reflecting on "the best path forward."
- The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot, according to Schumer and Gillibrand.
- Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna pulled his endorsement and stated Platner should drop out of the race.
- Senator Elizabeth Warren stated that Platner should "step aside as the Democratic nominee" and address the serious allegations outside the Senate race.
- Senator Ruben Gallego called the allegations "troubling and deeply serious."
- Democratic activist Cheyenne Hunt called on Platner to end his campaign.
Top Democrats are calling for Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner to withdraw from the race after a Politico report surfaced accusing him of sexual assault. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Elizabeth Warren have publicly urged Platner to step aside, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.5
Platner has responded, insisting the allegation is "categorically false", but acknowledged that his campaign is considering "the best path forward". The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has warned that it will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot, further pressuring him to withdraw.2
In addition to Schumer and Warren, other prominent Democrats have joined the call. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna rescinded his endorsement, stating that Platner should drop out. Sen. Ruben Gallego described the allegations as "troubling and deeply serious", while activist Cheyenne Hunt urged Platner to end his campaign altogether. The situation has created a significant rift within the party as it navigates the implications of the allegations on its electoral prospects.46
As the pressure mounts, the future of Platner's candidacy hangs in the balance, with party leaders emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the serious nature of the claims against him.
“Platner has insisted the allegation is "categorically false" but said his campaign is reflecting on "the best path forward." The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has said it will not invest in the Maine race if Platner remains on the ballot, and several lawmakers including Sen. Elizabeth Warren have called on him to step aside.”
CBS News
