Senior Democrats are urging embattled Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), warning that all funding in support of Platner would be cut off should he stay in the race.
Calls for Platner’s exit from the race roared after Politico reported a woman who previously dated Platner came forward with allegations that the left-wing populist candidate sexually assaulted her while severely intoxicated five years ago. Platner has denied the allegations and said his campaign would be taking time to “reflect.”
In a joint statement, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) implored Platner to withdraw so a new candidate can step up.
“Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins,” their statement said.
Lauren French, a spokeswoman for the Senate Majority PAC, also released a statement on Monday that the organization would “redirect resources” from Maine and urged Platner to withdraw from the race.
“These are serious claims from multiple women, and they raise real questions about Graham Platner’s fitness for office,” French said. “Having lost the trust of the people of Maine, Platner should withdraw from this Senate race.”
The Senate Majority PAC, which has spent nearly $25 million in ad support for Platner, added that although it would redirect resources, the organization still sees potential to flip the seat.
“Senate Majority PAC is redirecting resources away from the Maine Senate race in light of the latest allegations against Graham Platner,” the statement said. “We continue to believe this seat is winnable if Platner is not on the ballot, but we cannot strategically continue to invest here when there is an expansive battleground map where these resources can help win a Democratic majority.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has also called for Platner’s exit, echoing earlier statements from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who withdrew their support as well. The Maine Democratic Party also called for Platner to withdraw from the race.
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“There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” Warren said. “Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”
Democrats’ urgency stems from a Maine law that requires Platner to step down by July 13 in order for the party to select a new candidate in the race. Should Platner withdraw, Democrats will have until July 27 to select a new nominee.
