Platner set to formally withdraw from Maine Senate race Monday

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Democrat Graham Platner is set to formally withdraw from the Maine Senate race on Monday, after announcing Wednesday that he was suspending campaign operations amid mounting controversy.

A source close to the campaign confirmed to The Hill that Platner has privately told staff he’ll file paperwork to drop out on Monday.

That’s the last day Platner can drop out in order to let Maine Democrats choose a new nominee.

Under Maine law, Platner needs to formally exit by 5 p.m. on July 13, at which point the party would have until that time on July 27 to put forward a replacement.

Platner announced on Wednesday that he would be drop out of the race after new allegations in recent days added to a string of controversies that have dogged his campaign.

Politico reported that a woman alleged Platner raped her in 2021, and another woman who dated Platner on and off alleged to The Washington Post that Platner removed condoms without her consent during sex.

The progressive oyster farmer vehemently denied the claims but acknowledged that his candidacy couldn’t move forward as major backers exited his camp.

Earlier this week, Senate Democrats’ campaign arm and other prominent Senate supporters —such as Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) — withdrew their support and called for him to step aside.

“We’re not doing it because of the allegations,” Platner said in a video message. “We’re doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.”

Multiple candidates have already put their hats in the ring to replace Platner as the nominee, though it remains unclear exactly how the state party will consider names.

Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson told MS NOW on Wednesday that state Democrats convened special meetings and approved a plan for a nominating convention, with more details forthcoming.

Caroline Vakil contributed to this report.

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