Pressure mounts ahead of withdrawal deadline
Maine Democrats are scrambling to contain a growing political crisis as U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner reportedly resists calls to abandon his campaign unless he can help shape who would replace him on the November ballot.
Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer who won the Democratic primary on June 9, has come under intense pressure after former girlfriend Jenny Racicot accused him of raping her in 2021. Platner has categorically denied the allegation, calling the accusation of “non-consensual behavior” false.
The controversy has upended what Democrats viewed as their best opportunity yet to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins and reclaim a key Senate seat.
Under Maine law, Platner has until Monday to withdraw if Democrats want to nominate a replacement for the general election. If he remains in the race beyond that deadline, the party could be forced to move forward with a candidate many of its own leaders have already abandoned.
Report says Platner wants influence over replacement
According to sources familiar with internal campaign discussions cited by the New York Post, Platner, his campaign team, and political strategist Morris Katz have discussed the possibility of withdrawing while insisting that any replacement continue his progressive political agenda.
One source characterized the effort as an attempt by allies of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to position former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson as the replacement nominee.
“This vibes to me like a play from Bernie Sanders to slide in Troy Jackson,” the source told the newspaper.
The same source also questioned why Platner believed he should have influence over the selection process despite the allegations against him.
Another source described Platner’s inner circle as “delusional,” criticizing Katz for continuing to advise the candidate to stay in the race.
Katz previously worked with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who publicly called Tuesday for Platner to step aside.
Representatives for Platner’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Sanders, Schumer abandon nominee
The allegations have prompted a rapid collapse of support from prominent Democrats.
Sanders, who had been Platner’s highest-profile national supporter, announced Tuesday that he had personally urged the candidate to withdraw.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” Sanders said. “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Platner has acknowledged the political fallout while maintaining his innocence.
In a video statement, he said the campaign was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has also withdrawn his endorsement. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has gone further, announcing it will not invest in the race if Platner remains the nominee.
The speed with which national Democrats distanced themselves stands in contrast to earlier controversies surrounding Platner’s campaign, including scrutiny over reports of a Nazi tattoo, accusations that he assaulted a former Republican girlfriend, and criticism over comments involving wounded veterans. Those issues generated criticism but did not initially cost him the backing of senior Democratic leaders.
Jackson among names being floated
With the withdrawal deadline approaching, several Democrats have emerged as possible replacement candidates.
Among those mentioned are former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, and congressional candidate Jordan Wood.
Jackson has already filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission establishing an exploratory committee that could allow him to enter the race if the nomination becomes available.
The former logger appeared alongside Platner and Sanders at a “Fight the Oligarchy” rally in May. A “Draft Troy” website has also launched, promoting Jackson as a “proven progressive” and a “champion of working people.”
The debate over who should replace Platner has highlighted a broader divide within the Democratic Party.
Some activists want a nominee capable of preserving Platner’s progressive, populist appeal. Others argue the party needs a clean break from a campaign that has become dominated by scandal.
Deadline fast approaching
The uncertainty leaves Democrats with little time to settle one of the party’s most consequential decisions of the 2026 election cycle.
If Platner withdraws before Monday’s deadline, party leaders will have a brief window to select a new nominee. If he refuses, Democrats could enter the general election with a candidate who has lost the support of many of the party’s most influential figures.
What was once viewed as a prime pickup opportunity against Collins has instead become one of the Democratic Party’s biggest political headaches just months before voters head to the polls.
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