Two Texas Democrats are calling on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race following allegations of sexual assault.
Platner, who won the Democratic nomination for Senate in Maine last month, was set to face off against Maine Senator Susan Collins in November in one of the most hotly contested Senate races nationwide. But Platner might soon be replaced on the ballot. Politico released a story Monday in which a woman who dated Platner says he “forced her to have sex with him nearly five years ago despite her repeated objections.”
Platner has denied the allegation and said Monday he is now “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” with regard to his Senate campaign.
James Talarico, Texas’ Democratic Senate candidate, isn’t so eager to wait for Platner to make a decision on the future of his campaign.
“The credible allegations against Graham Platner cannot be ignored,” Talarico said in a statement released by his campaign. “He should withdraw from the race immediately.”
Talarico wasn’t the only Texas Democrat to call for Platner’s withdrawal from the Maine Senate Race. Rep. Greg Casar, representing Texas’ 35th congressional district in San Antonio and Austin, joined Talarico with a tweet Monday night.
“I am horrified by the allegations against Graham Platner. He should drop out of the Senate race,” Casar wrote. “Maine Democrats should replace him with an inspiring candidate who can best represent them.”
Under Maine law, Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws from the Senate race by next Monday. Maine Democrats would then have until July 27 to name a new nominee.
Platner or the replacement Democrat will face Susan Collins, a Republican who has represented Maine in the Senate since 1997.