National, State Democrats Drop Platner After Accusation

Democrats who had boosted Graham Platner's Senate campaign are now racing to distance themselves from it after a woman accused him of sexual assault. Platner, who denies the allegation, said he's taking time to consider what to do next. In the meantime, Democrats are bailing, though one strong supporter, Sen. Bernie Sanders, hasn't addressed the accusation. Leading the movement are Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who oversee the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, NBC News reports. "The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing— violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable," they said Monday in a statement. "The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot." Others party voices include:

• Maine Democratic Party: "Leadership takes seriously our responsibility to hold every candidate who seeks to represent our state to the highest standard," a statement says, adding, "Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for US Senate."
• Rep. Ro Khanna: "These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement." Khanna appeared with Platner last month at a rally, per the Washington Post.
• Sen. Ruben Gallego: "The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious," he posted on X, saying he's rescinding his endorsement.

• David Hogg: "Graham Platner needs to drop out and let a strong Democratic replacement run." The Democratic activist had supported Platner.
• Sen. Elizabeth Warren: "With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race." Warren campaigned with Platner, per the New York Times.
• Donna Brazile: "Sure, take the rest of the day and night," the former chair of the Democratic National Committee posted on X. "Tomorrow, we need a plan and Mr. Platner can step aside and focus on his family and well-being."