New England Democrats react to Graham Platner dropping out of U.S. Senate race

(NBC, KYMA) - Embattled Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner announced Wednesday he has dropped out of the Maine Senate race.

The decision comes after multiple woman accused him sexual misconduct, accusations that he has strongly denied.

However, this leaves state Democrats searching for a new candidate in the vitally important Maine race this November.

"We believe that for the movement to continue, it can't be me. And for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations," Platner expressed.

Platner officially dropped out of the Maine Senate race, making the announcement in an 11-minute video posted on X.

"What comes next needs to come from the people, needs to come from the people of Maine," Platner shared.

The decision comes just days after he was accused of sexual assault by a former romantic partner, the latest in a string of controversies that have riddled his campaign.

"This is all false...We're not doing it because of the allegations, we're doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power," Platner remarked.

Members of both parties have been calling on Platner to step aside, and Democrats across New England say it's about time.

"He needed to do it immediately when the allegations came forward," said Jesse Marmell, a Democratic strategist. "The fact that it took several days I think is yet another stain on his record and his reputation, but it's happened."

"I think it's a good thing. I think it's a good thing that he did it before July 13th so that there could be a new selection process," said Evan Falchuk, another Democratic Strategist. "And this is not someone that belonged in public life to begin with."

Now, a new candidate must be named by July 27 to replace Platner on the ballot.

"Hopefully they can do that sooner rather than later so that that person can start raising money, telling their story and building a movement to win and get rid of Susan Collins and help Democrats take back the Senate in November," Mermell said.

Democratic strategists say Platner should not be involved in the process.

"Platner is responsible for why this seat is now at risk for Democrats. And they shouldn't be listening to him in any event," Falchuk explained.

Maine's Democratic Party decided Wednesday to hold a nominating convention to choose Platner's replacement.

The party said it plans to announce a full timeline for that process soon.