Graham Platner has withdrawn from the Maine Senate race, despite winning over 70% of the vote in the state's Democratic primary. His exit comes after a second rape allegation was made against him. Platner announced his withdrawal in a video statement.
Platner's decision to leave the race follows allegations from multiple women who claim he sexually assaulted them. One woman, Jenny Racicot, described an incident where Platner allegedly grabbed her pelvis and was forceful with her. Another woman, Lyndsey Fifield, accused Platner of removing contraception without her consent.
Platner has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." He stated that any accusation of non-consensual behavior is "categorically untrue." Despite his denial, the Maine Democratic Party has distanced itself from Platner.
The Maine Democratic Party has announced plans to develop a "representative, transparent and inclusive process" to select a new nominee. The party's executive director, Devon Murphy Anderson, expressed gratitude to Platner's supporters and emphasized the importance of an open process to select his replacement.
Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, has already expressed interest in replacing Platner in the Senate race. Kleban stated that he is ready to "fight for Mainers" and bring a new generation of leadership to Washington.
