Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, announced that he is suspending his campaign operations. The decision follows a public allegation of sexual assault made by a former girlfriend, which led to a swift erosion of support from key political allies and party leaders. The political newcomer had been scheduled to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.

In an 11-minute video message posted to social media, Platner maintained his innocence and stated that the accusations are “all false ,” arguing that support essential to sustaining his campaign had been withdrawn. “This is incredibly difficult because I know some will think it is an admission of guilt and it most certainly is not,” and added, “We are not doing it because of the allegations, we are doing it because of the structures that are being taken from us by those in power.”

The campaign’s collapse came two days after Politico published an on-the-record accusation by Jenny Racicot, who dated Platner on and off for two years. Platner has strongly rejected the claim, as well as a subsequent report in The Washington Post involving another former partner. The allegations, however, prompted a rapid collapse in backing from prominent Democratic leaders and organizations, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and other party allies, who publicly urged him to leave the race.

Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer, had previously sustained political momentum despite enduring months of scrutiny over other aspects of his personal life and past conduct. Previous controversies included revelations about a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi paramilitary symbol, which he later covered, and past internet forum posts that he apologized for and attributed to untreated post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite those issues, Platner won the June Democratic primary with 72 percent of the vote after his primary opponent, Gov. Janet Mills, suspended her bid in April.

Platner’s withdrawal creates an unexpected challenge for Maine Democrats as they seek to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race viewed as pivotal to determining control of the U.S. Senate. Under Maine election rules, the state Democratic Party is expected to convene to select a replacement nominee before the state’s deadline. Several Democrats, including former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, have already emerged as potential candidates following Platner’s decision.

Editorial credit: Mehmet Eser / Shutterstock.com