Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine, withdrew from the race on Wednesday following allegations of sexual assault made by a former girlfriend. Platner’s departure significantly alters one of the most closely watched contests in this year’s midterm elections, where Democrats had aimed to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Platner, a former Marine and oyster fisherman, had previously faced controversy over a tattoo of a Nazi symbol he received while intoxicated, which he later covered up. He also came under scrutiny for past social media posts that included homophobic language and dismissive remarks about sexual assault cases. Despite these challenges, he remained a prominent candidate favored by progressive voters.

The immediate catalyst for his withdrawal was an allegation from Jenny Racicot, a woman who dated Platner intermittently over two years. Racicot publicly accused him of forcing himself on her during a drunken encounter at her home in late 2021, despite her repeated requests for him to stop. Racicot stated she confronted Platner after the incident, informing him it was not consensual, and subsequently severed contact. Text messages shared with media outlets show Racicot warned another woman about Platner’s alleged behavior. Additionally, Racicot said she decided to come forward after another woman, Lyndsey Fifield, who has ties to the Republican Party, accused Platner of repeated physical harassment during a relationship in 2013 and 2014. Fifield’s claims had previously been dismissed by some as politically motivated.

Platner denied the allegations, calling them false and politically driven. However, he cited the impact on his fundraising and access to voter resources as factors in his decision to leave the race. “We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me,” he said, emphasizing that his withdrawal was not solely due to the allegations but also organizational constraints.

In response to the allegations and ongoing controversy, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that the national party would not continue investing in the Maine Senate race if Platner remained the candidate.

Platner’s exit leaves the Democratic Party seeking a new contender to challenge Senator Collins in November, potentially reshaping the battle for control of the Senate. The race is considered pivotal in determining the balance of power in Congress and the future of policies opposed by former President Donald Trump’s supporters.