Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
Updated on: July 8, 2026 / 8:44 PM EDT / CBS News
Washington — Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner announced Wednesday he is suspending his campaign after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her when they were dating five years ago, ending a Senate run punctuated by personal controversies.
Platner announced his decision in an 11-minute social media video . He vehemently denied the sexual assault allegations, calling them "false" and "not real," but said the pressure from state-level and national Democrats had made it impossible for his campaign to continue. He blamed the "political establishment" for the situation.
"This is incredibly difficult, because I know that some will think it's an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not," he said. "We're not doing it because of the allegations, we're doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power."
Platner said he plans to file paperwork to withdraw from the Senate race. Under state law, he must formally withdraw by Monday at 5 p.m.
The move will disrupt one of the most closely watched races of this cycle, as Democrats seek to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a contest that could determine control of the Senate. Under Maine law, the state party will have until July 27 to select a new nominee.