Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner abruptly suspended his campaign on Wednesday amid mounting controversies, including a sexual assault allegation that has thrown one of the 2026 midterm elections’ most competitive races into uncertainty. The former U.S. Marine and oysterman’s departure complicates Democratic efforts to gain control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority.
The race in Maine, previously viewed as a key opportunity for Democrats to flip a seat, now centers on how the party will select a replacement to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Prior to Platner’s withdrawal, multiple controversies had already raised questions about his suitability for office.
A woman accused Platner of forcing her to have sex nearly five years ago, as first reported by Politico. CNN later detailed allegations that he entered her home without consent and raped her while intoxicated. Platner denied all accusations. Subsequently, The Washington Post reported that a former girlfriend claimed he repeatedly removed condoms during intercourse without her approval, which his campaign dismissed as “categorically false and politically motivated.”
Prominent congressional Democrats withdrew their endorsements, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee signaled it would withhold financial support if Platner remained on the ballot. His exit may mark the end of his brief political ascent, during which he championed progressive policies like universal healthcare and criticized wealth inequality.
Additional controversies include past offensive Reddit posts, an apology for which Platner issued, and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that has since been covered. The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, stated he sent explicit texts to multiple women early in their marriage, though she described their marriage as “great.” Platner has acknowledged past misconduct, citing struggles with alcohol and mental health following military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and requested forgiveness.