MAINE — Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner announced Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign, ending a candidacy that had been thrown into turmoil following a rape allegation and mounting pressure from Democratic leaders to withdraw from the race.
According to a Fox News post on X, Platner said, “We are suspending campaign operations,” as he publicly confirmed the decision after days of controversy surrounding his campaign.
The announcement follows allegations made by a former girlfriend, who accused Platner of raping her in 2021. Platner has categorically denied the accusation, maintaining that he did not commit the alleged assault. In a video posted on social media, he said he was stepping aside because he no longer wanted the campaign to revolve around him, while continuing to insist that the allegations against him are false.
The allegations prompted a wave of criticism from within the Democratic Party. Several prominent Democratic figures withdrew their endorsements and called on Platner to leave the race, arguing that the seriousness of the accusation made his continued candidacy untenable.
Platner’s withdrawal creates an unexpected challenge for Maine Democrats as they work to field a candidate capable of challenging incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. Under Maine election law, the state Democratic Party is expected to convene to select a replacement nominee before the applicable filing deadline.
Despite suspending his campaign, Platner said he intends to remain active in political advocacy and thanked campaign staff, volunteers, and supporters for their efforts throughout the race. He also argued that the movement he built should continue even without his candidacy at its center.