Veterans groups rescind endorsement, call on Graham Platner to exit Maine Senate race after sexual assault allegation

At least three veterans organizations have called on Maine Senate Democratic nominee Graham Platner to leave the race following a newly reported sexual assault allegation, according to reports on Tuesday.

Veterans For Responsible Leadership said it was rescinding its endorsement of Platner “effective immediately” after what the group described as a credible sexual assault allegation reported earlier in the week. The group’s move adds to a widening set of withdrawals and public calls directed at Platner as the general election contest against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins remains on track.

Other reporting described similar actions by veteran-focused groups. reported that veteran organizations rescinded or withdrew endorsements in response to the allegation and that calls for Platner to step aside were accelerating among outside groups. also said Platner, a Marine Corps veteran, issued a statement after the Politico report that surfaced the allegation.

The allegation at the center of the dispute was described in national coverage as involving an incident in 2021, with a woman previously associated with Platner alleging he forced sex after she told him to stop. PBS Newshour reported on the same allegation, describing that the woman said the incident occurred after she told Platner to stop and that she spoke publicly due to the political stakes.

Platner has denied wrongdoing and said his campaign is deciding a “best path forward” following the allegation, according to PBS Newshour’s account of his remarks. The reporting did not indicate that any criminal charge had been filed in the public record at the time of publication, and it did not describe the allegations as adjudicated in court.

The political fallout has also moved beyond veterans groups. The Hill reported that Sen. Bernie Sanders told Platner to withdraw, framing the request as coming in the wake of the allegation.

With the Maine Senate race headed toward deadlines for ballot and party processes, additional reporting said Democratic leaders and factions were moving quickly to discuss possible replacement options if Platner exited the nomination. The Washington Post reported that Democratic groups were competing to position themselves in the effort to determine a replacement before any departure, underscoring how quickly the nomination process can tighten.

For now, Platner remains the nominee as his campaign reviews the allegation and as outside groups continue to reassess support. His next steps, and the timing of any withdrawal, are likely to determine what state and party officials must do to meet upcoming election administration requirements.