Platner to formally withdraw Monday from Maine Senate race

Platner announced the suspension of his campaign this week after a woman came forward with a sexual assault allegation.

By Ben Whedon

Published: July 9, 2026 3:28pm

Graham Platner will reportedly file the paperwork to formally withdraw as the Democratic Senate nominee for Maine on Monday, just ahead of the deadline to do so.

The Hill reported on Platner's plans, citing "a source close to the campaign." Platner could be cutting it close as the deadline to withdraw stands at 5 p.m. on Monday. Theoretically, should he fail to do so, he would be locked in as the party nominee.

Platner announced the suspension of his campaign this week after a woman came forward with a sexual assault allegation. His campaign had been rocked by other scandals, including a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, extramarital sexting, and obscene Reddit posts.

Several candidates have since put forward their names for consideration to replace Platner on the ticket, including several of the failed candidates for the party's gubernatorial nomination.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.