Graham Platner Ends Senate Bid In Maine After Sexual Assault Allegation

Graham Platner suspended his U.S. Senate campaign in Maine on Wednesday, clearing the way for Democrats in that state to choose a new candidate as they seek to retake control of the chamber.

“We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me,” Platner said in a video posted to social media on Wednesday. “And for that reason we are suspending campaign operations.”

He added, “We are not doing it because of the allegations. We are doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.”

Platner’s decision dominated cable news on Wednesday evening, after days in which pundits debated multiple aspects of his campaign and what it said about the Democratic party’s prospects. It’s also led to extensive comparisons to allegations facing political figures on the other side of the aisle, including Donald Trump.

Platner, an oysterman, galvanized progressives as he campaigned as an outside against the Washington establishment, but he was beset with a series of revelations that put him on defense. When Politico published a story on Monday of a woman’s allegation that he sexually assaulted her, he denied the claim but said that he was reassessing his bid to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).

“The things that have been claimed did not happen; it’s not real,” Platner said.

A woman who once dated Platner, Jenny Racinot, told Politico that Platner forced her to have sex with him five years ago.

Platner had until Monday to exit the race. Democrats will not have until July 27 to select a replacement candidate. The Maine Democratic Party plans to hold a nominating convention, but has not announced details on the process.

One potential candidate took himself out of contention earlier in the day: Actor Patrick Dempsey. He published an op ed in the Portland Press Herald saying that he considered a run but ultimately decided against it.

Platner drew extensive Hollywood support, including contributions from such figures as Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo, Ryan Murphy, David Mandel and Greg Berlanti.

Subscribe to Deadline

Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy.

Sign Up