{"id":2625775,"date":"2026-07-06T19:26:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T23:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/platner-bombshell-leaves-democrats-scrambling\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T19:26:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T23:26:33","slug":"platner-bombshell-leaves-democrats-scrambling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/platner-bombshell-leaves-democrats-scrambling\/","title":{"rendered":"Platner bombshell leaves Democrats scrambling"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">10<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fplatner-bombshell-leaves-democrats-scrambling%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2625775&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Senate Republicans are uncertain about their opponent in Maine this fall amid serious allegations against Democratic nominee Graham platner, who faces accusations of nonconsensual sex. Platner announced he would temporarily step back from campaigning to reflect amid widespread calls for him to withdraw, including from Maine&#8217;s Democratic Party and senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Several of his endorsements have been rescinded, and Maine law gives him until next Monday to withdraw from the ballot. although he has previously overcome controversies, this latest accusation threatens his candidacy, potentially forcing Democrats to find a replacement amid concerns about his viability. The political landscape is complex, with other Democratic contenders like gov. Janet Mills, Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, and Shenna Bellows considered as possible substitutes. Meanwhile, Collins remains unperturbed, publicly stating it is not her decision to choose the Democratic nominee. Polls currently show Platner trailing Collins, with some Democratic figures and supporters, including Bernie Sanders, backing alternative candidates.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senate Republicans have no idea who they will face this fall in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/maine\/\">Maine<\/a> as bombshell allegations of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >sexual assault consume<\/a> the campaign of Democratic nominee <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/graham-platner\/\">Graham Platner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner announced he would take a break from the campaign trail Monday after a woman came forward alleging that he forced her to have nonconsensual sex. Platner, who denies the accusation, canceled his planned appearances and told supporters he would use the coming days to \u201creflect\u201d on his candidacy.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637999\/khanna-gallego-pull-platner-endorsements\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Ro Khanna and Ruben Gallego pull Platner endorsements after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/poll-one-in-six-biden-voters-would-have-changed-their-vote-if-they-had-known-about-scandals-suppressed-by-media\/\" title=\"Poll: One In Six Biden Voters Would Have Changed Their Vote If They Had Known About Scandals Suppressed By Media\">sexual assault allegations<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637858\/sexual-assault-allegation-fractures-platner-faithful-online-following\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>REVEALED: Sexual assault allegation fractures Graham Platner\u2019s faithful online following<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637616\/graham-platner-sexual-assault-maine-senate\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Platner to \u2018reflect\u2019 on campaign\u2019s \u2018best path forward\u2019 after being hit with sexual assault allegations<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The statement leaves open the distinct possibility that Platner will soon bow out of the race entirely, forcing Democrats to scramble for a new nominee to face Sen. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/susan-collins\/\">Susan Collins<\/a> (R-ME), a five-term Republican incumbent, in one of the top Senate battlegrounds of the 2026 cycle.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Maine law, Platner has <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/legislature.maine.gov\/statutes\/21-A\/title21-Asec374-A.html#&#038;_intcmp=fnc_politics_article_main-content_article-body_6_3\">just one week<\/a> \u2014 until next Monday \u2014 to remove his name from the ballot. The state Democratic Party would then have two weeks to choose a replacement, an unthinkable proposition just days ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637616\/graham-platner-sexual-assault-maine-senate\/\"><strong>PLATNER TO \u2018REFLECT\u2019 ON \u2018BEST PATH FORWARD\u2019 FOLLOWING SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner has overcome past controversies, including reports of infidelity and \u201ctoxic\u201d behavior with previous romantic partners. But the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/07\/06\/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737\">latest allegation<\/a>, published by <em>Politico<\/em>, has pierced his seeming immunity from political fallout.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior lawmakers and outside groups began to pull their endorsements by Monday afternoon, while the Democratic Party apparatus <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MrArenge\/status\/2074216668411105698?s=20\">appeared to pause<\/a> digital fundraising that mentions him. Most prominently, the Maine Democratic Party <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MaineDems\/status\/2074249756449140867?s=20\">called on him to withdraw<\/a> from the race, followed by a warning from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He promised in a joint statement with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the chairwoman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, that Senate Democrats would not invest resources in Maine if Platner is the nominee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGraham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins,\u201d Schumer and Gillibrand said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Should Platner step aside, it would represent a rare do-over for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/top-dem-recruit-for-missouri-senate-bows-out\/\" title=\"Top Dem Recruit for Missouri ... Bows Out\">national party leaders<\/a> who were never comfortable with his lightly vetted campaign and publicly backed Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) until she dropped out of the primary in April.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner ultimately won the Democratic nomination in June, prompting a lukewarm endorsement from Schumer. His victory was interpreted as part of a broader wave of success by left-wing populists who have promised to take on the political establishment if sent to Washington.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Polls showed him in a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.realclearpolling.com\/polls\/senate\/general\/2026\/maine\/collins-vs-platner\">dead heat against Collins<\/a>, although Democrats continued to express doubt about his viability with general election voters.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mills camp teased that she\u2019d be willing to revive her candidacy the last time a bombshell report came out, and she still represents the kind of candidate whose pragmatic streak and record of winning statewide are appealing to Democrats. A spokesman for Mills did not respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other contenders who have been floated include several of the unsuccessful candidates in last month\u2019s Democratic primary for Maine governor. Those include Nirav Shah, a former public health official; Troy Jackson, a former state senator; and Shenna Bellows, Maine\u2019s secretary of state. Each <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics\/2026-primary-elections\/maine-governor-results\">earned more than 20%<\/a> of the primary vote in June.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collins, for her part, is staying out of the fray as Platner navigates the political firestorm. Some of Platner\u2019s most public supporters, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), rescinded their endorsements on Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese allegations are appalling,\u201d Collins said in a statement. \u201cNevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4635327\/aoc-michigan-senate-primary-schumer-new-york\/\"><strong>AOC IGNITES SCHUMER PROXY FIGHT WITH MICHIGAN SENATE PRIMARY ENDORSEMENT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The allegations come the same day a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1D7onbq7aV59X8lq2-YatdLNakqqCYTnB\/view\">Wedgewood poll<\/a> showed Platner 4 points behind Collins. Mills polled 50-50 against the Republican, while Jackson was the only of the three Democrats polled who was ahead. He led Collins by 5 points, 48%-43%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jackson was backed in the governor\u2019s race by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the Vermont socialist who stood by Platner despite the scandals surrounding him. He also had the support of the Maine chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maine Senate race uncertain as allegations shake Democrat Platner<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2651,"featured_media":2625778,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2280206486.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[52449,50410,3685,4133,5894],"class_list":["post-2625775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-bombshell-2","tag-controversy-2","tag-democrats","tag-news","tag-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2280206486.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2625775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2625775"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2625775\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2625780,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2625775\/revisions\/2625780"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2625778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2625775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2625775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2625775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}