The embattled Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, Graham Platner, has formally withdrawn from the U.S. Senate race, citing the need for the party to continue its movement without him.
In a letter posted on X, Platner thanked the 156,084 Mainers who voted for him in the Democratic primary and argued that they had backed "a new kind of politics" focused on issues such as Medicare for All, stronger unions, and limiting the influence of billionaires in politics.
Platner's withdrawal comes after a month of mounting controversies and allegations of sexual misconduct that he has repeatedly denied. The allegations included a claim of rape from a woman he previously dated, as well as accusations of removing condoms during sex with an ex-girlfriend.
The Maine Department of the Secretary of State's Division of Elections will now work to determine a replacement process for Platner, with officials indicating that they will hold a nominating convention to choose a new Senate nominee.
Platner's withdrawal marks a significant setback for the Democratic Party's efforts to retake the Senate majority, which currently rests with Republicans at 53-47. Flipping the Senate seat in left-leaning Maine is a key part of the Democrats' path to retake the majority.
A slew of Democrats have already jumped into the race to succeed Platner as the party's Senate nominee, including three gubernatorial contenders who came up short in last month's primary.
The party's efforts to replace Platner are now underway, with officials working "around the clock" to determine a new nominee.
Platner's withdrawal has sparked a debate about the future of the party and the direction it should take in the upcoming elections.
