{"id":2273,"date":"2026-07-09T09:22:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T04:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=2273"},"modified":"2026-07-09T09:22:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T04:22:28","slug":"platner-ends-his-senate-bid-after-allegation-of-rape-npr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=2273","title":{"rendered":"Platner ends his Senate bid after allegation of rape : NPR"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"storytext\">\n<div id=\"resg-s1-132221\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"&#10;        --source-width: 6000;&#10;        --source-height: 4000;&#10;    \">\n        <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/400\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 400w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/600\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/800\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 800w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/900\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 900w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 1200w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1600\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 1600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1800\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 1800w\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1025px) 650px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" class=\"img\" type=\"image\/webp\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/400\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 400w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/600\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/800\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 800w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/900\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 900w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 1200w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1600\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 1600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1800\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg 1800w\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1025px) 650px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" class=\"img\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"An empty stage is seen at a Graham Platner campaign event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n<div class=\"caption\" aria-label=\"Image caption\">\n<p>\n                An empty stage is seen at a Graham Platner campaign event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.<br \/>\n                <b class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><\/p>\n<p>                    CJ Gunther\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>                <\/b><br \/>\n                <b class=\"hide-caption\"><b>hide caption<\/b><\/b>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <b class=\"toggle-caption\"><br \/>\n              <svg class=\"icon icon--info\"><use href=\"#icon-info\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n              <b>toggle caption<\/b><br \/>\n            <\/b>\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><\/p>\n<p>        CJ Gunther\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The scandal-ridden Senate campaign of Graham Platner in Maine has come to a screeching end, after a rape allegation caused nearly every one of his Democratic allies to withdraw their support.<\/p>\n<p>Platner made the announcement in a video posted to social media on Wednesday. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We believe that for the movement to continue, it can&#8217;t be me. And for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations,&#8221; he said. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is incredibly difficult because I know that some will think it&#8217;s an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;We&#8217;re not doing it because of the allegations. We&#8217;re doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.&#8221; <\/p>\n<aside id=\"ad-backstage-wrap\" class=\"ad-wrap backstage\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>Democrats largely stood by Platner throughout repeated controversies \u2014 from the tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol to deleted offensive Reddit posts to a report that he sent women sexually explicit messages while married.<\/p>\n<p>But the red line came in the form of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/07\/06\/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Politico<\/em><\/a><em> <\/em>article on Monday, which reported that Jenny Racicot, a woman who had previously had a relationship with Platner, alleges he entered her home in 2021, intoxicated and without her permission, and sexually assaulted her. Platner has denied the allegation, saying, &#8220;Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-132220-100\" class=\"bucketwrap internallink insettwocolumn inset2col \">\n<div class=\"bucket img\">\n                  <a class=\"imagewrap\" id=\"featuredStackSquareImagenx-s1-5875431\" href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/07\/06\/nx-s1-5875431\/platner-sexual-assault-allegation-maine-senate\" data-metrics-ga4=\"{&quot;category&quot;:&quot;recirculation&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:&quot;story_recirculation_click&quot;,&quot;clickType&quot;:&quot;inset box&quot;,&quot;clickUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.npr.org\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/06\\\/nx-s1-5875431\\\/platner-sexual-assault-allegation-maine-senate&quot;}\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-original=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/100\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-format=\"webp\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" type=\"image\/webp\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-original=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/100\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-format=\"jpeg\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/100\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2000x2000+500+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F2c%2Fe2%2F62494d9b402fafd794a686e97bc0%2Fgettyimages-2279845497.jpg\" data-format=\"jpeg\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" alt=\"Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/a>         <\/p>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKETBLOCK\" -->\n      <\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKET IMG\" -->\n   <\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"RESG-S1-132220-100\" CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP INTERNALLINK INSETTWOCOLUMN INSET2COL \" --><\/p>\n<p>Prior to the <em>Politico <\/em>story, Racicot was included in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2026\/06\/04\/us\/politics\/platner-maine-senate-girlfriends-relationships.html\" target=\"_blank\"><em>New York Times<\/em> report<\/a> featuring three women who said they once had romantic relationships with Platner and characterized Platner&#8217;s behavior as &#8220;unsettling&#8221;; Racicot did not detail the rape allegation in that story. She&#8217;s since described the alleged assault, and her initial reluctance to speak out to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2026\/07\/06\/politics\/video\/graham-platner-maine-senate-race-midterns-election-democrats-gop-lead-jake-tapper\" target=\"_blank\">CNN<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In the immediate aftermath of the <em>Politico story, <\/em>Platner cast doubt on the future of his campaign, saying in a <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/grahamformaine\/status\/2074214272628916296?s=20\" target=\"_blank\">social media video<\/a> he was &#8220;taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside id=\"ad-secondary-wrap\" class=\"ad-wrap secondary\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<\/aside>\n<aside id=\"mid-story-recommendations-mount-piano\" class=\"mid-story-recommendations-mount-piano\" aria-label=\"recommended stories\"\/>\n<!-- END ID=\"MID-STORY-RECOMMENDATIONS-MOUNT-PIANO\" CLASS=\"MID-STORY-RECOMMENDATIONS-MOUNT-PIANO\" ARIA-LABEL=\"RECOMMENDED STORIES\" --><\/p>\n<p>In the meantime, multiple Democratic lawmakers \u2014 including <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RoKhanna\/status\/2074242263710917062?s=20\" target=\"_blank\">Rep. Ro Khanna<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/RubenGallego\/status\/2074242801953386923?s=20\" target=\"_blank\">Sen. Ruben Gallego<\/a> and Sen. Elizabeth Warren \u2014 rescinded their endorsements. Platner also lost support from one of his earliest backers, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MaineDems\/status\/2074249756449140867\" target=\"_blank\">The Maine Democratic Party<\/a> also called on Platner to withdraw from the race.<\/p>\n<p>But the death knell came when the campaign arm for Senate Democrats vowed to not invest in the race if Platner remained on the ballot.<\/p>\n<p>For more than 48<em> <\/em>hours, Platner faced increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw speedily, facing an already-ticking clock. State election rules dictate that Platner would need to withdraw by Monday, July 13 in order for the state party to name a new nominee before the deadline of July 27.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"edTag\">What happens now?\u00a0<\/h3>\n<p>Many Democrats once viewed Platner not only as a candidate that could unseat incumbent GOP Sen. Susan Collins, but as one who could offer a blueprint for championing anti-establishment ideas and an economic populist message.<\/p>\n<p>Now, they&#8217;re scrambling to figure out what comes next.<\/p>\n<p>Democrats had hoped a path to retake the Senate ran through Maine, a state that President Trump lost in 2024. The party needs to net a total of four seats this November to win back the majority, but if they are unable to carry Maine, that path becomes much more narrow.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It is virtually impossible to see a path for Senate Democrats back to the majority if they do not flip Maine,&#8221; said Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors editor at <em>Cook Political Report<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, the Maine Democratic Party said it held a meeting with over 100 of its members who voted to hold a nominating convention to choose a new nominee &#8220;if there is a vacancy to fill.&#8221; It said additional details would follow. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There is an unprecedented amount of energy and enthusiasm among Maine Democrats, driven in part by many of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who were inspired by Graham Platner&#8217;s campaign. We look forward to coming together and harnessing that energy around our new nominee as we work to defeat Susan Collins in November,&#8221; the party said <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MaineDems\/status\/2074999584871293020\/photo\/1\" target=\"_blank\">in a statement<\/a>. <\/p>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-132438\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"&#10;        --source-width: 6000;&#10;        --source-height: 4000;&#10;    \">\n        <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/400\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 400w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/600\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/800\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 800w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/900\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 900w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 1200w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1600\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 1600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1800\/quality\/85\/format\/webp\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 1800w\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1025px) 650px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" class=\"img\" type=\"image\/webp\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/400\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 400w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/600\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/800\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 800w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/900\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 900w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1200\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 1200w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1600\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 1600w,&#10;https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1800\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg 1800w\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1025px) 650px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" class=\"img\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x4000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F62%2F2a5de6a3400fa3ec67e317c36694%2Fgettyimages-2280200612.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Graham Platner speaks on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n<div class=\"caption\" aria-label=\"Image caption\">\n<p>\n                Graham Platner speaks on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.<br \/>\n                <b class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><\/p>\n<p>                    CJ Gunther\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>                <\/b><br \/>\n                <b class=\"hide-caption\"><b>hide caption<\/b><\/b>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <b class=\"toggle-caption\"><br \/>\n              <svg class=\"icon icon--info\"><use href=\"#icon-info\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n              <b>toggle caption<\/b><br \/>\n            <\/b>\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><\/p>\n<p>        CJ Gunther\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Jockeying has already commenced in the state for the person who might take up the mantle of Senate Democratic nominee, including among those who didn&#8217;t secure the gubernatorial nomination. That includes Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former head of the Maine CDC Nirav Shah and former state Senate President Troy Jackson.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"ad-third-wrap\" class=\"ad-wrap third\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<\/aside>\n<p>An exploratory committee has <a href=\"https:\/\/docquery.fec.gov\/cgi-bin\/forms\/C00955609\/1988465\" target=\"_blank\">filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission<\/a> on behalf of Jackson. Taylor said Jackson has the white, working-class populist appeal that Platner had \u2013 but his close ties to Platner could represent a challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Shah <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/nirav_maine\/status\/2074512934684811618?s=20\" target=\"_blank\">said he&#8217;s &#8220;evaluating&#8221;<\/a> whether to run and that anyone running for the nomination should agree to at least one televised debate and hold multiple public town halls. Taylor noted Shah &#8220;created a bond with Mainers&#8221; during his time as health director but added his tenuous ties to the state (including voting in Georgia in 2024) could bring difficulties.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Bellows has history with Collins \u2014 she ran against her in 2014 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/elections\/2014\/maine-elections\" target=\"_blank\">lost by 37 points<\/a>; a gulf that may give Democrats pause.<\/p>\n<p>Another potential candidate is Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban, who had a brief campaign for Senate last year before endorsing Gov. Janet Mills.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Virtually any Democrat that does not have as substantial baggage as Platner represents a much better chance against Susan Collins,&#8221; Taylor said. &#8220;They&#8217;d be starting this race very late, in the same way that Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden on the ballot. We&#8217;re hitting the final sprint there, but a fresh nominee makes this race about Susan Collins again, which is what Democrats need.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An empty stage is seen at a Graham Platner campaign event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. CJ Gunther\/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption CJ Gunther\/Getty Images The scandal-ridden Senate campaign of Graham Platner in Maine has come to a screeching end, after a rape allegation caused nearly every one of his Democratic&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2274,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x3375+0+313\/resize\/1400\/quality\/85\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcf%2F69%2F89f75008442286d7f592a3368ab5%2Fgettyimages-2280189044.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2273","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2273","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2273\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2274"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}