Sen. Bernie Sanders says Graham Platner should drop out of the race after sexual assault allegation

By — Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press By — Patrick Whittle, Associated Press Patrick Whittle, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/sen-bernie-sanders-says-graham-platner-should-drop-out-of-the-race-after-sexual-assault-allegation Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Sen. Bernie Sanders says Graham Platner should drop out of the race after sexual assault allegation Politics Jul 7, 2026 12:50 PM EDT PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — With Democrats across the U.S. abandoning their support of Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner following an allegation of sexual assault, party leaders found themselves Tuesday scrambling to determine next steps in their effort to win a high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Platner's longtime backer, joined the chorus Tuesday saying that he spoke with Platner and that "in light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside." READ MORE: Democrats begin pulling Platner endorsements after Maine Senate candidate faces sexual assault allegation Platner, who denies the allegation, has so far not heeded the wave of calls to resign as the nominee. Instead, he posted a video on Monday saying he's currently considering next steps for his campaign while canceling town hall events. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Platner posted the video after reports that a woman who previously dated the first-time candidate said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop. The allegation is the latest in a string a controversies Platner has faced, and so far weathered since the oyster farmer and Marine veteran entered the race. But the seriousness of the assault claim has put the Maine contest — and Democrats' ability to win control of the Senate — at risk, with even some of his strongest supporters questioning whether Platner should continue his campaign. A Platner voter is 'heartbroken' Joanie Monteith, a passionate supporter from the southern Maine town of York who organized a trivia night about Platner in March, said through tears Tuesday that she was "numb" and "heartbroken" at the news. She was waiting for another public statement from Platner before making a decision about whether she could keep supporting him. "I'm in tears. I'm numb and I'm waiting for what Graham has to say. I'm trying not to be a part of this public trial. And I'm heartbroken. And I'm heartbroken for him and his wife." READ MORE: Tamara Keith and Carrie Dann on Platner facing calls to drop out of Maine Senate race She added she believes the allegations are serious. "I'm not going to blame a victim. Because if this is true I feel very bad for the woman," she said. "You just don't know how to feel." Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered he