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2026 Maine Senate
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Last Update: 10/27/2026 at 6:01 AM EST
Graham Platner’s Maine Senate Candidacy
Coverage from ABC News, WMAL, and others
Graham Platner’s 2026 Maine Senate candidacy came under pressure after Jenny Racicot made sexual-assault allegations against him, which Platner denied.
Bernie Sanders urged Platner to step aside, while some groups and Democratic figures withdrew support or called for his departure. The dispute also involved Maine’s deadlines for replacing a nominee and discussions of possible successors, including Troy Jackson, who explored a Senate bid.
Looking Back
29 Day Timeline
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History
10/03/2026
The transition appears less settled than the previous version suggested: Platner suspended campaign operations, while the party prepared a convention-based replacement process and debated its approach. Jackson is presented as a potential successor, not a confirmed replacement.
All Articles99 articles
Important
Democratic leaders assessed replacement options for Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation emerged, with a July 13 ballot withdrawal deadline looming.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine Democrats moved toward a replacement nomination after reported rape allegations against candidate Graham Platner prompted calls for withdrawal by Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani.
7/12/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Graham Platner suspended a 2026 Maine Senate campaign after reported sexual misconduct allegations, raising Democratic replacement ballot-timing questions under Maine law.
7/10/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders urged Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner to withdraw on Tuesday after Politico reported a sexual assault allegation, affecting Democratic investment under Maine replacement deadlines.
7/9/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 Maine Senate race after renewed sexual-misconduct allegations, triggering a Maine Democratic Party process to replace the nominee for the Susan Collins contest.
7/9/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
On July 8, Graham Platner suspended the 2026 Maine Senate campaign after a new sexual assault allegation, prompting the Maine Democratic Party to plan a rapid ballot replacement ahead of Susan Collins.
7/9/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner suspended campaign operations Wednesday after sexual assault allegations, prompting Maine Democratic Party planning for a replacement nominee convention.
7/8/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine election reporting in 2026 links allegations against Graham Platner and reported vetting decisions to a fast approaching withdrawal deadline for Democratic ballot replacement.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders recommended Graham Platner step aside in the 2026 Maine Senate race on July amid sexual assault allegations, prompting Our Revolution to back Troy Jackson as a possible replacement.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders withdrew support from Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner in Portland after sexual assault allegations, as Our Revolution and party leaders weigh next steps.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders urged Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner to exit the Senate race on Tuesday after Politico reported a sexual assault allegation, accelerating endorsement and resource shifts.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to withdraw from Maine's 2026 Senate race on Tuesday after Jenny Racicot's rape allegation.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders urged Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to step aside Tuesday, accelerating calls for a ballot replacement under Maine withdrawal deadlines.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders recommended Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner withdraw from the 2026 Senate race on July ballot-replacement timing after allegations of sexual assault reported by Politico.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Graham Platner denied Politico-reported sexual assault allegations in Maine on Monday, while End Citizens United withdrew its endorsement and a July 13 ballot deadline approached.
7/6/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner denied Jenny Racicot's sexual assault allegations as Maine election law sets a July 13 window for party replacement of a withdrawn nominee.
7/6/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine Democratic leaders urged outsider candidate Graham Platner to end his U.S. Senate campaign by July 13 after a 2021 sexual assault allegation, as Democrats prepare replacement plans for the contest against Susan Collins.
7/8/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner faced calls to withdraw after sexual assault allegations as the Maine Democratic Party prepared a deadline-driven replacement process for the 2026 Senate race vs. Susan Collins.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate bid after rape allegations caused Democratic allies to withdraw support, forcing Maine Democratic Party replacement planning before July 13 ballot withdrawal rules.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders urged Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner to step aside after sexual assault allegations on July 7, as Democrats tied funding to ballot removal ahead of a July 13 exit deadline.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats suspended Graham Platner's U.S. Senate bid after rape allegations and organized a replacement nomination ahead of the July 27 deadline.
7/12/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Graham Platner, Democratic nominee for Maine in 2026, denied sexual assault allegations as Jenny Racicot described a 2021 incident and Maine law sets a July 13 replacement deadline.
7/6/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders said he urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Democratic Senate contest after sexual assault allegations, following his formal exit and Troy Jackson's nomination.
7/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders described shifting support from Graham Platner to urging withdrawal after rape allegations, then backed Troy Jackson for the Maine Senate nomination against Susan Collins.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders backed Maine's Troy Jackson in 2026 after Maine Democrats replaced Graham Platner on the Senate ballot following a sexual assault allegation.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign after Politico reported sexual assault allegations from Jenny Racicot, leading major Democrats to call for him to step aside.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders and Maine Democratic leaders urged Graham Platner to exit the Maine Senate race after Politico reported sexual assault allegations, while Our Revolution backed Troy Jackson.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Donald Trump commented on Wednesday after Graham Platner suspended his 2026 Maine Senate campaign amid sexual abuse allegations, with a July 13 replacement deadline under Maine law.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine on Wednesday after renewed sexual assault allegations, triggering a Maine Democratic vacancy process before the July 27 ballot deadline.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner suspended the 2026 Maine Senate campaign after a rape allegation, amid rescinded top Democratic endorsements and state deadline-driven plans for a replacement nominee.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race after sexual assault allegations surfaced, prompting endorsement withdrawals and a Maine Democratic replacement vote by July 27.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders joined Democratic calls for Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race after a Jenny Racicot allegation ahead of a July 13 ballot-deadline.
7/8/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Maine election law deadlines for selecting a Democratic replacement after allegations against Graham Platner intensified succession politics in the 2026 Senate contest versus Susan Collins.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Top Democrats urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine U.S. Senate race after rape allegations, triggering a state-law replacement timeline and revised party expectations.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic nominee Graham Platner faced withdrawal pressure after rape allegation reporting, as Schumer and Gillibrand urged him out ahead of a Monday drop-out deadline.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democratic Party leaders pushed for Graham Platner to withdraw after rape allegations, due to a legal deadline and a rapid replacement process for the 2026 challenge to Susan Collins.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders recommended Graham Platner step aside in Maine’s 2026 U.S. Senate race after a sexual assault allegation, amid escalating Democratic replacement pressure.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner faced endorsement withdrawals and calls for withdrawal in Maine after credible sexual assault allegations, while Troy Jackson filed an FEC exploratory committee and other Democrats signaled potential runs.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats face state-law deadlines to choose a Senate replacement after allegations against nominee Graham Platner, amid progressive versus establishment rivalry.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats weigh a ballot replacement after Graham Platner faces escalating allegations and endorsement withdrawals ahead of the 2026 Senate race.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders recommended Graham Platner step aside in the 2026 Maine Senate race on July 7 after sexual assault allegations, ahead of a July 27 replacement window for Democrats.
7/7/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders said he spoke with Graham Platner after rape allegations surfaced and major backers withdrew support, with a Maine law July 13 withdrawal deadline in play.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine, a sexual assault allegation against Democratic nominee Graham Platner has led Democrats to consider replacing him under state replacement deadlines ahead of the 2026 Senate race.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to step aside on July 7 after a sexual assault allegation, triggering uncertainty over ballot replacement deadlines in Maine's 2026 Senate race.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner weighs withdrawal after a sexual assault allegation while Maine Democrats face July 13 ballot replacement rules for a 2026 Senate contest against Susan Collins.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to step aside for Maine's 2026 U.S. Senate race after sexual assault allegations surfaced, as Democrats withdrew endorsements and a ballot-removal deadline approached.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine, voters react to Monday sexual assault accusations against Senate candidate Graham Platner as the withdrawal deadline nears and replacement candidates are discussed for Susan Collins.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
In Maine, a sexual assault allegation against Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner triggered endorsement reconsideration and a deadline-driven ballot replacement question.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
After sexual assault allegations surfaced against Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, Maine Democrats faced an expedited July replacement process and rising progressive challenges ahead of Susan Collins.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders recommended on Tuesday that Graham Platner step aside from Maine’s 2026 Senate race after sexual assault allegations prompted endorsement withdrawals and funding cuts.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to step aside from the 2026 Maine Senate nomination after a sexual assault allegation, prompting Democratic party and super PAC investment conditions.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Maine Democrats face potential replacement planning after a sexual assault allegation against Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner emerged ahead of July 13 withdrawal calls.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Daniel Winston argues Bernie Sanders certified Maine Senate contender Graham Platner early, then withdrew support after a Politico sexual-assault allegation and linked Sanders's Israel stances to political legitimacy.
7/28/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders cautiously discussed Troy Jackson's replacement of Graham Platner as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee during a Sunday NBC interview in the 2026 race.
8/2/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders said his Maine Senate endorsements and a delayed Platner withdrawal push led to support for replacement nominee Troy Jackson to challenge Susan Collins.
7/26/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders and other Democrats face criticism as Graham Platner controversy reshapes Democratic conflict and messaging ahead of Susan Collins in Maine.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders and Democratic figures disputed Graham Platner's Maine Senate nomination after sexting, Nazi tattoo, and women-abuse allegations emerged.
7/10/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine Senate race on Wednesday after rape allegations from Jenny Racicot, and Democrats began replacement efforts ahead of an expected contest with Sen. Susan Collins.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Donald Trump questioned credibility of sexual assault claims against Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, who suspended the campaign on Wednesday.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders urged Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to step aside on Tuesday after sexual assault allegations emerged Monday, as Platner continued his bid.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Ro Khanna and the Maine Democratic Party urged Graham Platner to withdraw from Maine’s Senate race after Politico reported new sexual assault allegations against him in 2026.
7/6/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
On Sunday in a televised NBC interview, Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders backed Maine Democratic nominee Troy Jackson and offered a formal endorsement if Jackson requests it.
8/2/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
John Fetterman said Bernie Sanders should apologize after continued Democratic backing for Graham Platner in Maine amid renewed sexual misconduct allegations reported in late June.
7/7/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Interesting
Bernie Sanders defended former Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner and voiced support for replacement candidate Troy Jackson during a Meet the Press discussion in the United States.
8/3/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders defended his Platner endorsement as Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson on a 566-5 vote to challenge Susan Collins with about 100 days left.
7/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders said he urged Graham Platner to withdraw after misconduct allegations, as Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson without a primary vote for the 2026 Senate contest.
7/26/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Bernie Sanders said he does not regret endorsing Graham Platner, backed Troy Jackson, and argued the replacement could defeat Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.
7/26/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders said Troy Jackson could win the Maine Senate race with about 100 days remaining after delegate shifts following Graham Platner sexual assault allegations.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman criticized Democratic backing for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and Israel-related party fractures, arguing the dispute makes defeating Susan Collins harder.
7/17/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman, at the Hill Nation Summit in Washington, criticized Democratic handling of the Maine Senate race after Graham Platner ended his bid following a rape accusation.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman cited Israel and policing disagreements while criticizing Bernie Sanders for backing Graham Platner after allegations ended the Maine Senate campaign.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman said progressive backing for withdrawn Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has complicated Democrats’ path to defeating Susan Collins while he warned against anti-Israel shifts.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders backed Graham Platner after allegations surfaced in 2021, as Platner withdrew and Maine Democrats sought a replacement candidate after the July 13 ballot deadline.
7/13/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman criticized Bernie Sanders over prior support for Graham Platner after Platner withdrew amid controversies affecting the Maine Senate contest.
7/11/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders faced criticism in 2026 over endorsement activity for former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after Politico reported 2021 rape allegations.
7/10/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Maine Democratic Party officials plan a nominating convention by July 27 after Graham Platner suspended his Senate bid on July 8 amid rape allegations and prior Janet Mills suspension.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner advisers discussed withdrawal scenarios in Maine as Bernie Sanders rescinded endorsement and Sanders supporters backed a replacement-demand effort.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Graham Platner met with senior campaign staff in Sullivan, Maine, while Maine Democrats prepared for a July 13 ballot withdrawal deadline after rape allegations.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race after Politico reported new sexual assault allegations, with ballot replacement available under Maine law if withdrawal happens by July 13.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman criticized Bernie Sanders after Sanders backed Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner amid sexual abuse allegations reported by Jenny Racicot.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders said he urged Graham Platner to withdraw after sexual assault allegations as Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson to challenge Susan Collins in 2026.
7/27/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that he does not regret supporting Graham Platner and defended backing Troy Jackson as Maine Democratic nominee replacement.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman warned that Democratic intra-party conflict over Israel and policing, intensified by Graham Platner’s exit, complicates plans for defeating Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.
7/15/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders faced criticism after Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faced allegations, with Sanders previously promoting Platner before withdrawal calls.
7/10/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Graham Platner withdrew from the Maine U.S. Senate race after sexual-assault allegations, leading Maine Democrats to plan an ad hoc delegate convention to choose a replacement nominee.
7/9/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
DSCC halted funding for Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner after new sexual assault allegations, raising the significance of Maine law withdrawal deadlines ahead of the 2026 election.
7/7/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders urged Graham Platner to step aside on Tuesday after a reported sexual assault allegation surfaced for the 2026 Maine Senate race, while Platner denied the claims.
7/7/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Graham Platner suspended his 2026 Maine Democratic Senate campaign on Wednesday after Jenny Racicot alleged rape nearly five years earlier, while Platner denied the claim.
7/10/2026 • Legal & Ethics Developments • General
Bernie Sanders discussed progressive politics and explained his Maine Senate endorsement of Graham Platner after Platner withdrew over sexual assault allegations.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders withdrew support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after rape allegations, intensifying Democratic intraparty conflict over primary strategy and November electability.
7/21/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman criticized Bernie Sanders in connection with the Maine Senate race and the Aug. 4 Michigan primary after allegations drove Graham Platner to suspend his campaign.
7/19/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders said Troy Jackson can win Maine's 2026 Senate contest after Democrats selected him as replacement for Graham Platner.
7/26/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Bernie Sanders' primary endorsements in the 2026 cycle sparked conflict with Democratic leaders, including Jeffries, while controversies affected support in Maine, North Carolina, and Michigan.
7/19/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders intervened in the Maine Senate race by supporting then withdrawing endorsement of candidate Graham Platner after major-media reports of rape allegations.
7/19/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman said Democrats must address Israel policy and candidate vetting failures as Graham Platner's exit complicates the 2026 Maine Senate race against Susan Collins.
7/15/2026 • Parties & Political Organizations • General
Graham Platner withdrew from Maine's 2026 Democratic Senate race in a video on X Wednesday after a rape allegation, drawing criticism from Sen. John Fetterman.
7/8/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
Additional
John Fetterman said he would leave the Democratic Party if party Israel policy becomes overtly anti-Israel, amid low Quinnipiac approval and Maine progressive candidate fallout.
7/16/2026 • Candidates & Campaigns • General
John Fetterman criticized Bernie Sanders in 2020s reporting, following Sanders endorsements of Graham Platner and Abdul El-Sayed during Maine and Michigan Senate contest developments.
7/19/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General
Bernie Sanders' delayed withdrawal of endorsement support for former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after renewed allegations sparked Democratic criticism over candidate judgment in 2026.
7/19/2026 • Endorsements & Surrogates • General