Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine, is facing mounting pressure to exit the race following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including an accusation of rape. Despite denying the claims, Platner has yet to formally withdraw from the contest against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, a longtime figure in Maine politics.

The allegations surfaced over the past week and escalated sharply after Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend, publicly accused Platner of sexual assault in late 2021. Shortly thereafter, Lyndsey Fifield, who dated Platner from 2013 to 2015, told reporters that he had repeatedly removed condoms during sex without her consent, allegations Platner’s campaign called “categorically false and politically motivated.” Amid the growing scandal, both progressive and establishment Democrats have distanced themselves from Platner, calling on him to step down.

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, one of Platner’s earliest and most prominent supporters, said he spoke with Platner and recommended that he withdraw in light of the “very serious allegations.” Other high-profile Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren, also urged Platner to leave the race. The Maine Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) have signaled they will redirect resources away from Platner’s campaign if he remains the nominee.

Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer who surged to the Democratic nomination in June with a populist, progressive message, had already been under scrutiny for several controversies during his campaign. These included revelations of offensive social media posts, a tattoo resembling Nazi symbolism that he has since covered, and allegations of physical abuse by former partners. His initial response to the latest accusations was to say he was “mindful of the political reality” and was “reflecting on the best path forward,” but he has not announced a withdrawal.

If Platner resigns by the state deadline of July 13, the Maine Democratic Party will have until July 27 to select a replacement nominee. However, state law does not clearly prescribe how the party must choose a successor, prompting vigorous internal discussions about the process. Options under consideration include a special convention or a statewide caucus. Party leaders have emphasized that the selection process should be “open, inclusive, transparent, and fair.”

A number of candidates have emerged as potential replacements, including Shenna Bellows, Maine’s secretary of state; Troy Jackson, former president of the Maine Senate; Nirav Shah, former director of the state’s public health agency; and Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company who briefly ran for Senate last year. While some Democrats back Jackson, who has already formed an exploratory committee, others express concern about elevating figures who recently lost in gubernatorial or congressional primaries. There is also debate over whether Platner’s backing of a successor would help or hinder the party, as many Democrats fear a close association with him could damage a replacement’s campaign.

The controversy has reopened ideological fault lines within the Democratic Party between its progressive base—where Platner initially found support—and more moderate or establishment elements. Progressive groups have urged that any replacement should align with Platner’s policy priorities, while party insiders have cautioned that distancing from Platner is necessary to preserve electoral viability.

Maine remains a critical battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate. Senator Susan Collins, seeking a sixth term, has defied multiple strong Democratic challengers over three decades and has remained a resilient Republican incumbent in a state that leaned toward Democrats in recent federal elections. Party officials and activists emphasize the urgency of resolving the crisis swiftly to present a unified front in the November election.

Meanwhile, voters in Maine expressed a mix of disappointment and resolve. Some supporters who had been willing to overlook Platner’s past controversies said the recent allegations were disqualifying. The focus for many remains defeating Collins in the fall. As one long-time attendee of Platner’s rallies put it, “Platner may be over, but the campaign isn’t over.”