Maine Democratic Party says embattled Senate candidate Graham Platner cannot choose his own replacement

Jul 8, 2026

The Maine Democratic Party has rejected attempts by embattled Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign to influence the selection of his replacement. Platner faces intense pressure to withdraw by July 13, 2026, following allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct. High-profile supporters, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have urged him to step down, as the seat held by Republican Susan Collins is critical for Democratic hopes of retaking the Senate majority.

Platner withdrawal pressure

▪Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, one of Graham Platner's earliest and most high-profile supporters, has urged Platner to withdraw from the race.
▪Senate Democratic leaders have stated they will not spend money on the Maine Senate race if Graham Platner remains on the ballot.
▪Graham Platner stated on July 6, 2026, that he would take time to reflect on the best path forward, but has made no public comments since.

Replacement candidate selection process

▪Graham Platner has until July 13, 2026, to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in order for the Maine Democratic Party to select a new nominee.
▪Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson stated that Graham Platner's campaign has repeatedly reached out to influence the candidate replacement process.
▪If Graham Platner withdraws by July 13, 2026, the Maine Democratic Party has until July 27, 2026, to choose a replacement nominee.
▪Graham Platner's campaign denied trying to exert influence over the candidate replacement process in a statement to Politico.
▪The Maine Democratic Party stated that Graham Platner's campaign has no role in determining the next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

Sexual assault allegations

▪Politico reported on July 6, 2026, that Graham Platner faces an allegation of sexual assault.

Misconduct accusations

▪A former romantic partner accused Graham Platner on July 7, 2026, of removing condoms without consent during sex, which his campaign denied.
▪Graham Platner has faced criticism for controversial online comments, a Nazi-linked tattoo that he had covered up, and sexually explicit texts to women.

Democratic Party internal tensions

▪Ashik Siddique, co-chair of Democratic Socialists of America, criticized Sanders-aligned consultants for their candidate vetting process regarding Graham Platner.

Maine Senate race stakes

▪Incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins has held her Maine Senate seat since 1997.
▪Democrats need to net a total of four seats to win back the majority in the U.S. Senate, making Maine key to that effort.