Democrat Graham Platner exits key US Senate race, denies rape allegation

On Wednesday, Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate embroiled in controversy, announced the cessation of his campaign following a rape accusation that jeopardized a significant opportunity for his party to secure a Republican seat. Platner, a Marine veteran, oysterman, and newcomer in politics, had recently triumphed in Maine's Democratic primary, setting him up to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming midterm elections in November. His exit leaves Maine Democrats with little time to regroup in a crucial race for regaining control of the US Senate, where Republicans currently maintain a 53-47 edge. "We are suspending campaign operations," Platner stated in a video on X, asserting his intention to withdraw without admitting guilt. Maine law allows Democrats to nominate a replacement since Platner withdrew before the July 13 deadline, with a new candidate to be selected by July 27.