MAINE DEMOCRAT PLATNER DENIES SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION

Graham Platner, Maine's Democratic candidate for the US Senate, denied accusations of sexual assault made by a woman he previously dated. The woman detailed the alleged assault in interviews with Politico, published on Monday. Platner, a former combat marine and oyster farmer, called the allegation "categorically false" but stated he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" in the race. His campaign has previously faced scrutiny over the discovery of a tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi symbol.

Senior Democrats have called on Platner to withdraw from the race. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement saying the allegations were "incredibly disturbing" and that "violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable". The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced it "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot". Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Elissa Slotkin, alongside Representatives Ro Khanna, Martin Heinrich and Ruben Gallego, also called for him to drop out or withdrew endorsements.

Platner's campaign has postponed several events scheduled for this week. He is set to compete against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November's congressional elections. Maine's Democratic Party has also called on Platner to "immediately withdraw". The race is considered pivotal to Democrats' chances of gaining Senate control.