DSCC Urges Maine Nominee Graham Platner to Quit by July 13 Over Rape Allegation

Q: With a key campaign collapsing, who could be chosen as a last-minute replacement?

If Graham Platner withdraws by Maine’s July 13 deadline, the most talked-about replacement options are former Gov. Janet Mills, former state Senate President Troy Jackson, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Mills appears to be the most prominent name in the discussion. She had earlier suspended her own Senate bid but remained a well-known figure with statewide recognition, and some Democrats have viewed her as the strongest ready-made alternative. At the same time, reports note concerns about whether she would have enough time and resources to restart a campaign. Jackson and Bellows have also surfaced in speculation as possible substitutes if party officials need to move quickly. Both are established statewide political figures and would give the party recognizable options in a compressed timeline. Other names mentioned in broader chatter include Rep. Jared Golden and David Costello, though Costello was running far behind Platner and has not been described as a leading fallback choice. Under Maine law, Platner can be replaced only if he voluntarily withdraws by July 13, and party officials would then have until July 27 to name a new nominee. So while no replacement has been chosen, Mills is the clearest high-profile possibility, with Jackson and Bellows also frequently mentioned.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 6

Schumer and Gillibrand said the DSCC wants Graham Platner to immediately withdraw as Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee and warned it will not invest in the race if he stays on the ballot.
Platner, accused of rape by a woman and calling the account false, said he was taking time to reflect on the best path forward as support from prominent Democrats collapsed.
July 13 is the deadline for Platner to withdraw under Maine law; if he does, state Democrats have until July 27 to name a replacement.
Maine is a key Senate battleground against Republican Susan Collins, making the nomination turmoil consequential for November control of the chamber.

Sources

Left67%

Center14%

Right19%

The New York Times4h ago

Democratic Support for Graham Platner Evaporates Amid Rape Allegation; DSCC Calls for Withdrawal

Fox News4h ago

Rep. Ro Khanna Rescinds Endorsement, Calls for Graham Platner to Suspend Campaign After Sexual Assault Allegation

The Washington Post4h ago

Top Democrats Pull Endorsements, Urge Graham Platner to End Maine Senate Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

23 Sources

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Graham Platner Faces New Sexual Assault Allegation: Maine Democrats Scramble as July 13 Withdrawal Deadline Looms

Overview

A new sexual assault allegation against Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner has cast a shadow over his campaign, with accuser Jenny Racicot sharing emails about her experience and her therapist's advice not to feel pressured to go public. While Racicot remains anonymous, her therapist declined to comment, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has not responded to the allegations. This silence from party leaders highlights their cautious approach as they assess the potential impact on the crucial Senate race, leaving Platner's campaign and the party at a critical and uncertain moment.

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