Oyster farmer Graham Platner quits Maine Senate race after assault allegation
The gist
Maine Democrat Graham Platner withdrew from the U.S. Senate race after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, which he denies.
His exit forced Maine Democrats to pick a new nominee against Republican Sen.
How it unfolded
- Jun 9, 2026Platner defeated former Gov. Janet Mills in Maine's Democratic Senate primary by a landslide.
- Jul 6, 2026Top Democrats called for Platner to drop out after a woman he previously dated accused him of sexual assault.
- Jul 8, 2026Platner announced he was withdrawing from the Senate race, blaming the political establishment for undermining his campaign.