Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is planning to officially file paperwork to withdraw from the race on Monday, the final deadline to exit before the November ballot, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Platner, who won the June Democratic primary with more than 150,000 votes, has faced mounting pressure to step aside following allegations of sexual assault and other personal misconduct from former romantic partners. He has denied the claims.
Under Maine law, candidates have until 5 p.m. Monday to formally withdraw, allowing the state Democratic Party time to select a replacement by July 27 through a nominating convention. Platner has not yet submitted the withdrawal notice to the Secretary of State’s office as of Thursday.
The development sets off a scramble among Maine Democrats to find a new nominee in a key race for control of the U.S. Senate. Potential contenders include figures who have already expressed interest following the primary.
Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer from Scarborough, emerged as the nominee after a competitive primary. His withdrawal would clear the way for the party to consolidate behind a new candidate in the general election against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
The Maine Secretary of State’s office confirmed no official withdrawal has been received yet. Party officials are preparing for the possibility of a convention process to choose a replacement.
The situation highlights the tight timelines in Maine’s election laws for replacing candidates after primaries.
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