Maine's Democratic party leadership has called for US Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race, urging the Marine veteran to step aside following a sexual assault allegation. The move marks a sharp reversal for Platner, who had previously enjoyed vocal backing from top party figures.
The allegation has triggered a crisis for Platner's campaign, with once-strong supporters now distancing themselves. The call for withdrawal represents a significant blow to his candidacy in what was expected to be a competitive primary race.
Details of the allegation remain limited, with no specific charges or timeline confirmed. The Guardian report identifies Platner as a scandal-hit candidate who lost support from his most vocal backers in the wake of the accusation.
The party's demand for immediate withdrawal leaves Platner with a narrowing path forward. Should he remain in the race, he faces a fractured base and potentially weakened fundraising. A resignation would trigger a scramble to find a replacement candidate ahead of the primary.
The outcome will test how quickly Democrats can pivot from internal controversy to focus on the general election, where control of the Senate seat is at stake.