Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 8

Democrats Urge Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner to Quit Before July 13 Deadline as Rape Allegation Spurs Revolt

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 8

Democrats Urge Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner to Quit Before July 13 Deadline as Rape Allegation Spurs Revolt

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 · Fox News · Jul 8

July 13 is the cutoff for Graham Platner to leave Maine’s Senate race, as Democrats who long stood by him now urge him to withdraw after a former girlfriend accused him of rape.
Two reports published Monday cited Jenny Rapricot alleging Platner entered her home drunk in 2021 and forced himself on her; within 24 hours, another ex-girlfriend accused him of secretly removing condoms during sex.
40 Democratic endorsers have already pulled support, and if Platner exits by 5 p.m. Sunday, state Democrats can name a replacement by July 27.
Platner had remained the presumptive nominee against Republican Sen. Susan Collins despite earlier scandals including a Nazi-linked tattoo, abusive-partner allegations and lewd online posts.
His campaign said Monday he is taking time to reflect on the best path forward, leaving Democrats scrambling to avoid carrying the controversy into November.

Sources

Left65%

Center8%

Right27%

Fox News9d ago

Democrats Call for Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner's Withdrawal Amid Rape Allegations

The Washington Post11d ago

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

The New York Times10d ago

Bernie Sanders Recommends Graham Platner Step Aside from Maine Senate Campaign Amid Rape Allegations

39 Sources

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

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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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