Maine Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner is refusing to drop out of November’s election unless he can choose his replacement, the New York Post reports.
Platner has faced widespread calls to withdraw from the race following a POLITICO report of sexual assault allegations against him.
Graham Platner Loses Multiple Endorsements Following Sexual Assault Allegations
More from the New York Post:
A source familiar with the campaign discussions said Platner, his campaign and political strategist Morris Katz are deliberating about the Maine Democrat dropping out but only if his replacement shares his left-wing values.
And the clock is ticking for Dems — there’s a deadline of Monday for the 41-year-old oyster farmer to withdraw and be replaced on the ballot, according to state election law.
“This vibes to me like a play from Bernie Sanders to slide in Troy Jackson,” another source said.
The source quipped that Platner “assumes whoever might replace [him] would want a rapist’s endorsement.”
“His team is delusional,” this person said, noting that Katz, a former campaign adviser to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is still recommending Platner stay in the race.
Mamdani also publicly called for Platner “to drop out of the race” on Tuesday.
Elderly Vermont independent Sanders — who was Platner’s biggest backer — reportedly wants former Maine senate president Jackson to get the Democratic nomination to run against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” Sanders said on Tuesday.
I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 7, 2026
“I believe that it’s time for him to drop out of the race,” Mamdani said.
“The only appropriate response is for the campaign to come to an end,” he added.
Watch below:
Zohran Mamdani on Graham Platner: “I believe it’s time for him to drop out of the race. The only appropriate response is for the campaign to come to an end.” pic.twitter.com/yfvxejHQsY
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 7, 2026
The Hill noted:
Many other Democrats, including the state’s Democratic Party, national Senate leaders and the national Senate Democratic campaign arm, have also withdrawn their support for the oyster farmer in the wake of the reporting about the alleged assault.
A woman named Jenny Racicot, who says she dated Platner in 2021, told Politico in a story released Monday that the Maine candidate entered her home while drunk one night and assaulted her.
Platner has denied the allegation but said he is thinking about the “best path forward” for his campaign in light of it.
The scandal is the latest headline to throw scrutiny on Platner, who has been Democrats’ hope to flip the Senate seat held by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
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