Graham Platner formally drops out of Maine Senate race

Graham Platner has formally filed the paperwork to suspend his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine, with little time to go before the deadline. 

Platner announced the suspension of his campaign on Wednesday, after a woman accused him of sexual assault and the Democrats who supported him said he should step aside. 

He announced his decision in an 11-minute social media video. He vehemently denied the sexual assault allegations, calling them “false” and “not real,” but said the pressure from state-level and national Democrats had made it impossible for his campaign to continue. He blamed the “political establishment” for the situation.  

Platner had until 5 p.m. Monday to file the paperwork to exit the race, or he would have remained on the ballot. 

Platner’s 11th-hour exit from the race has prompted hurried efforts from Democrats looking to replace him. The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 at 5 p.m. to select a replacement. The party said it would hold a nominating convention. 

Democrats’ pick will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine. 

This is a developing story and will be updated.