Maine Democrat Refuses to Quit Senate Race Despite Sexual Assault Allegations and Party Calls to Withdraw

Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary in June but has not formally withdrawn following a sexual assault allegation from his ex-girlfriend, despite calls to quit from state party leadership and Sen. Bernie Sanders. The Washington Post reported July 8 that Platner is defying party efforts to replace him as the nominee to face Republican incumbent Susan Collins. The Maine Democratic Party accused him of meddling in the succession process.