Sanders called Platner and urged him to step aside

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, on Tuesday confirmed that he had spoken to Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner and asked him to step aside as the party nominee in the wake of a sexual assault allegation.

"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.

A woman on Monday came forward with allegations that Platner had forced himself on her while intoxicated, which he denies. He has not indicated plans to step aside but said he would ponder the "best path forward" to defeating Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in November.

Earlier in the day, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged Platner to step aside. He has until July 13 to do so to allow the state party to select an alternative candidate.

Platner previously weathered scandals involving extramarital sexting, obscene Reddit posts, and a Totenkopf tattoo.

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