Democratic Senate candidate Ed Platner’s campaign in Maine has unraveled amid serious allegations of sexual misconduct, further complicating the party’s already challenging path to retaking the Senate majority. The controversy surrounding Platner, a progressive newcomer, has prompted key Democratic groups to withdraw support, and party officials are now considering potential replacements ahead of critical nomination deadlines.

California Congressman Ro Khanna, a vocal advocate for victims of sexual violence, described the accusations against Platner as “very serious and credible” and emphasized that such conduct crosses a “red line.” Khanna, who initially endorsed Platner and rallied for him at a June pre-primary event, expressed his concerns on social media after new allegations emerged following earlier reports that detailed unsettling behavior by Platner toward ex-partners and revelations about sexually explicit messages sent outside his marriage.

Platner’s downfall follows a similar pattern to that of former California Representative Eric Swalwell, whose gubernatorial campaign ended abruptly in April after accusations of sexual assault surfaced. Both cases have eroded vital support quickly, diminishing their viability as candidates. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Senate Majority PAC, aligned with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, announced they would cease investing in Platner’s campaign. Additionally, Swing Left, a group dedicated to flipping seats for Democrats, has removed Maine from its target states for the upcoming election cycle.

Under Maine state law, Platner has until Monday to withdraw from the race in order for the Maine Democratic Party to name a replacement candidate; the party would have until July 27 to finalize this process. Political analysts suggest that replacing Platner may present a tougher challenge to incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term. Collins has previously survived multiple reelection campaigns, even as some moderate and progressive voters have criticized her for not opposing former President Donald Trump more forcefully.

The loss of Maine as a competitive Senate race would create additional pressure on Democrats, who need to flip four seats to secure a Senate majority. The party currently eyes a combination of battleground states including North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Iowa, while also seeking to hold seats in Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire. Last week’s New York Times/Siena poll underscored the uphill battle, highlighting narrow margins and heightened risk in every competitive race.

In Texas, Democrats are expected to concentrate resources on state Representative James Talarico’s challenging race against incumbent Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, with observers noting the party may shift greater attention there in light of Maine’s uncertainties.

Questions about Platner’s background had surfaced prior to the primary, including controversy over a tattoo recognized by some as a Nazi symbol, which he later said he had concealed. Further scrutiny also emerged over deleted online posts Platner attributed to a troubled period while coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite initial efforts to dismiss the claims as politically motivated, the growing severity of the allegations has intensified calls within the Democratic Party for more rigorous vetting of first-time and outsider candidates.

In the event of Platner’s withdrawal, several Democratic figures are viewed as potential replacements, including Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former state Senator Troy Jackson, and former state health official Nirav D. Shah. Party strategists emphasize the importance of selecting a candidate who can mount a competitive campaign against Collins in a race critical to the Democrats’ Senate ambitions.