Graham Platner suspends Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation; party seeks replacement

Democratic nominee Graham Platner suspended his campaign Wednesday, two days after a sexual assault allegation was published; party leaders withdrew support and a replacement process began.

• Platner announced he was suspending his campaign, denying the allegation but citing a loss of political support structures.
• The allegation, published by Politico, claimed an intoxicated Platner entered an ex-girlfriend's home uninvited in 2021 and sexually assaulted her; Platner denied it.
• Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren withdrew their backing, and the national party said it would no longer finance his campaign.
• The Maine Democratic Party said it will select a new nominee at a convention within two weeks, seeking an open process.