Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner faces sexual assault allegations

Democratic Party leaders on Monday called on Graham Platner to withdraw as their nominee against Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, following media reports that a woman accused him of forcibly having sex with her nearly five years ago. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who heads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a joint statement that the DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot. Platner denied the accusations and said he is taking time to reflect on the best path forward, without indicating whether he will suspend or end his campaign.

Politico first reported the allegation, and CNN followed with details that the woman accused Platner of entering her home without permission and raping her while he was intoxicated. Within hours, Maine Democratic Party leaders called for Platner to drop out, and several members of Congress withdrew their support. Collins' seat is one of the most closely watched targets in Democrats' drive to win majority control of the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections. Republicans currently hold 53 seats, while Democrats hold 47; a net gain of four seats would flip the chamber.