Schumer joins calls for Platner's withdrawal as Dem support collapses

According to Axios, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Graham Platner to immediately end his Maine Senate campaign, throwing the race into turmoil just four months before Election Day. Schumer and fellow New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand joined a growing list of Democrats urging Platner to withdraw, warning that the party's campaign arm will not invest in the race if he stays on the ballot. The pressure follows a Politico report detailing allegations that Platner sexually assaulted a woman he was dating in twenty twenty-one. Platner denied the accusation, calling it categorically false, but said he is taking time to weigh his next steps. Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Ruben Gallego both rescinded their endorsements, though prominent backers Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders had not called for him to drop out as of press time. Under Maine law, Platner has until July thirteenth to withdraw, after which the state party would have two weeks to pick a replacement. Axios notes Maine was seen as Democrats' best chance to flip a Senate seat, held by Susan Collins, making the collapse a serious setback for the party's hopes of retaking the chamber.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton