{"id":2626641,"date":"2026-07-08T12:23:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T16:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dems-have-limited-leverage-to-get-platner-out-of-maine-senate-race\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T12:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T16:24:05","slug":"dems-have-limited-leverage-to-get-platner-out-of-maine-senate-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dems-have-limited-leverage-to-get-platner-out-of-maine-senate-race\/","title":{"rendered":"Dems have limited leverage to get Platner out of Maine Senate race"},"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\">24<\/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%2Fdems-have-limited-leverage-to-get-platner-out-of-maine-senate-race%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=2626641&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>Maine Democratic efforts to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner are <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >ongoing amid controversy<\/a>.Platner,an oyster farmer accused of past sexual assault,is under pressure from Democrats to withdraw from the race against Republican Susan Collins. Even though he has until July 13 to do so, party officials and donors are withdrawing support and resources to discourage his continued candidacy. Party leaders emphasize a desire for a transparent and inclusive replacement process, but Platner maintains some influence over who might succeed him, aiming to ensure the new candidate aligns with his values. If he refuses to withdraw,the party may consider a wriet-in campaign,though this is tough and legally constrained. The situation highlights tensions within Maine\u2019s Democratic Party regarding candidate integrity and strategic priorities ahead of the November election.  <\/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\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/maine\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"193\">Maine<\/a> Democrats have few tools at their disposal to force Democratic Senate nominee <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/graham-platner\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"22643\">Graham Platner<\/a> to exit the race. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner has until July 13 to withdraw his bid to unseat Sen. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/susan-collins\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1302\">Susan Collins<\/a> (R-ME), which would give the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/how-democrats-could-replace-platner-on-the-maine-ticket-after-he-wins-the-primary\/\" title=\"How ... could replace ... on the Maine ticket after he wins the primary\">state party committee<\/a> until July 27 to name a replacement. <\/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\/4640330\/democrats-graham-platner-gamble-guy-benson\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Democrats have \u2018egg all over their faces\u2019 with Platner gamble: Guy Benson<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4640196\/graham-platner-campaign-fate-byron-york-maine-senate-race\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Platner\u2019s fate could look very different by next week: Byron York<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4640235\/democrats-lost-high-moral-ground-platner-joe-concha\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Democrats have lost any \u2018perception of high moral ground\u2019 after supporting Platner: Joe Concha<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Maine oyster farmer, who was accused by a woman he dated of sexually assaulting her while drunk five years ago, is under pressure from Democrats across the spectrum to step aside following the revelation.<\/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\">Democrats have already begun using what leverage they do have.<strong> <\/strong>The Maine <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/democratic-party\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"288\">Democratic Party<\/a> has withdrawn its support, and the Democratic National Committee has <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MrArenge\/status\/2074216668411105698?s=20\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MrArenge\/status\/2074216668411105698?s=20\">paused its digital fundraising ads<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if Platner remains on the ballot, Democrats still control many of the resources needed to mount a competitive Senate campaign. National and state party committees, allied outside groups, and major donors can choose to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ceo-slams-upenn-for-antisemitism-calls-for-halting-donations-to-university\/\" title=\"CEO criticizes UPenn for antisemitism, urges end to donations.\">withhold financial support<\/a>, staff, and independent expenditures, effectively leaving Platner to wage an underfunded campaign against Collins. Platner, who had $2.2 million on hand as of May, could face an even steeper uphill battle against the well-funded incumbent if Democrats ultimately refuse to invest in the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond financial pressure, Democrats are also seeking to isolate Platner politically by publicly calling on him to withdraw rather than handling the matter behind closed doors. The steady stream of demands increases the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/don-cheadle-cancel-culture-is-not-really-real\/\" title=\"Don Cheadle: Cancel Culture Is \u2018Not Really Real\u2019\">political cost<\/a> of remaining in the race while signaling that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/republicans-vowed-to-elect-more-women-they-did-just-that\/\" title=\"Republicans Vowed To Elect More Women...They Did Just That\">party leaders<\/a> no longer view him as their standard-bearer.<\/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\">Ultimately, however, whether Platner withdraws remains his decision. Platner won the Democratic nomination in June and is currently set to appear on Maine\u2019s ballot. If Platner withdraws after the July 13 deadline for reasons other than \u201ccatastrophic illness, condition or injury\u201d or death, Maine Democrats will not be able to choose a new nominee under state law.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reports have indicated that Platner hopes to have a say in the candidate who replaces him on the ballot, with the <em>New York Times<\/em> reporting that a source familiar with the campaign said if Platner steps aside, \u201cit would only be with a guarantee of being replaced by a candidate who he believes is true to the values and vision and policy agenda of the campaign that Maine voted for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rebecca Katz, who works for the political consulting firm advising Platner, said claims that Platner was refusing to withdraw unless he had a say in the replacement were \u201cfalse.\u201d<\/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\">Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a video posted on X Tuesday night that the party has been \u201cworking around the clock to develop a process to replace our U.S. Senate nominee that is open, inclusive, transparent, and fair.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Murphy-Anderson also claimed Platner\u2019s campaign has reached out to the Maine Democratic Party \u201crepeatedly\u201d in \u201can attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner\u2019s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like,\u201d <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MaineDems\/status\/2074653501771194683\">Murphy-Anderson said<\/a>. \u201cWe have also reiterated that Graham Platner must drop out of this race, so that Democrats in Maine can focus on defeating Susan Collins this November. We look forward to making this process public as soon as Graham Platner formally withdraws from this race.\u201d<\/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\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4638502\/dsa-endorsed-democrat-troy-jackson-allegations-maine-senate-race\/\">DSA-ENDORSED DEMOCRAT WHO COULD REPLACE GRAHAM PLATNER HAS ALLEGATIONS OF HIS OWN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Platner refuses to withdraw, a write-in campaign would offer Democrats a last-resort alternative, though such efforts are notoriously difficult because they require voters to write in a candidate\u2019s name rather than simply select one on the ballot. Under Maine state law, write-in candidates have to file a \u201cdeclaration of write-in candidacy with the Secretary of State,\u201d through an approved form, on or before 5 p.m. 70 days prior to the election.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> has reached out to Platner\u2019s campaign and the Maine Democratic Party.<\/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<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maine Democrats lack tools to force Platner out before July 13 deadline<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2912,"featured_media":2626642,"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-2280206540.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[82409,32923,34541,54092,5894],"class_list":["post-2626641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-campaign-leverage","tag-democratic-party","tag-election-strategy","tag-maine-senate","tag-politics"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2280206540.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626641","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\/2912"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2626641"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626641\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2626645,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626641\/revisions\/2626645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2626642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2626641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2626641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2626641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}