Graham Platner worked alongside several prominent Democrats in the course of his Senate campaign – many of whom withdrew support following Jenny Racicot’s accusation of rape.
Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed support for Platner during multiple scandals; he stood firm through outrage over Platner’s tattoo, texting, and internet history. When previously asked about the Maine nominee, Sanders replied, “There are no saints in the United States’ Senate” and that he planned “to make sure that Graham Platner is the next senator from the state of Maine.”
The political organization, Our Revolution, founded by Sanders, called for Platner to step down July 6. The Vermont senator broke his silence July 7 with a statement on X.
(Related: Platner Can’t Escape Graphic Deleted Reddit Posts)
Democratic nominee for Governor of Maine Hannah Pingree campaigned alongside Platner, but called for him to exit the race amid shocking sexual assault allegations that shook up the race. Former Maine public health official Nirav Shah and Maine Sen. Troy Jackson, who ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, also urged Platner to step down.
National Democratic Supporters Pull Endorsements
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego defended Platner’s past actions, such as public masturbation, and remained a fervent supporter of Platner throughout the course of his run. After the Politico report, Gallego officially withdrew his endorsement.
Several national progressives supported Platner throughout his campaign, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and California Rep. Ro Khanna. Both Warren and Khanna rescinded their support following the accusation.
“There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a statement, “With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”
New York Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand publicly demanded that Platner “immediately” suspend his campaign to give the party time to put forward a new nominee.
Platner’s Campaign Revealed Internal Fractures
Before the most recent scandal surfaced, the Democratic National Committee excluded Platner from a promotional photo showcasing the top five Democratic Senate candidates. Throughout his campaign, Platner remained a divisive figure, with some critics claiming that he was too controversial.
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman spoke repeatedly against the Maine Democratic candidate and has now called for Bernie Sanders and “others” to apologize for supporting Platner. Fetterman went on The Inghram Angle on July 6th and condemned Platner and his supporters, referring to the former candidate as a “dead man walking.”
(Related: Graham Platner Causes Division In The Democratic Party)
Graham Platner’s candidacy was turbulent from start to finish, just as the scramble to find a suitable replacement candidate will cause turbulence in the Maine Democratic Party.
(Related: Shifting Dynamics in Democratic Party Highlight Socialist Influence)
