Graham Platner suspended his Democratic campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine on July 8, upending the party's efforts to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in a race critical to Senate control. More than half of Democratic senators had called for his withdrawal before he stepped aside.
The decision follows an allegation by Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend, who told Politico that Platner entered her home without permission in 2021 while heavily intoxicated and sexually assaulted her. Multiple other former partners have also accused him of intimidating behavior. His campaign previously acknowledged sexually explicit texts he sent to other women, disclosed during internal vetting.
The Maine Democratic Party voted to hold a nominating convention to select a replacement before a July 27 deadline. Dan Kleban, founder of Maine Beer Company, announced he will seek the nomination, joining a field of potential candidates. State rules require Platner to formally withdraw by July 13 to allow a substitute to appear on the November ballot.