{"id":6720,"date":"2026-07-08T21:04:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T21:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/movinginsiderusa.com\/?p=6720"},"modified":"2026-07-08T21:04:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T21:04:35","slug":"maine-democrats-dont-seem-eager-for-a-endorsement-from-graham-platner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/movinginsiderusa.com\/?p=6720","title":{"rendered":"Maine Democrats don\u2019t seem eager for a endorsement from Graham Platner"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
Graham Platner speaks during a primary night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination on June 9. (Robert F. Bukaty\/AP)<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n

While Graham Platner and his supporters have sought to influence who replaces him in Maine\u2019s U.S. Senate race, prospective substitute candidates aren\u2019t hungry for his endorsement.<\/p>

Read more What more war in Iran means for Americans<\/a><\/p>\n

The Post asked seven potential replacements whether they wanted Platner, a Democrat and oyster farmer who is under fire over a sexual assault allegation, to endorse them. Only one, Jordan Wood, responded. He said no.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am and have always been aligned with Graham on most issues, we\u2019re both young progressive reformers, but I will not accept the endorsement of him personally,\u201d Wood, a former chief of staff to Rep. Katie Porter (D-California) who ran to represent Maine\u2019s 2nd Congressional District this year, said in a statement. He added that he would \u201cwelcome the endorsement and support of many of the progressive organizations and unions that supported him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Platner remains the Democratic nominee but is under significant pressure to withdraw from the race. His campaign staff was told Wednesday that he will speak at night on the future of his Senate bid, according to a Democrat close to him.<\/p>\n

Some Platner supporters have insisted he deserves a say in choosing his successor. That has triggered blowback from other Democrats, who say his scandals \u2014 including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he had covered up and sexually explicit text messages sent to other women after he married \u2014 have damaged the party\u2019s chances of defeating longtime Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). Yet Platner energized Democrats\u2019 grassroots base in the state and received a record number of votes in his primary win, and candidates hope to channel his support.<\/p>\n

Other Democrats who have expressed interest in the nomination \u2014 including Troy Jackson, a former state senator who ran for governor; Secretary of State Shenna Bellows; Nirav Shah, another former gubernatorial candidate; and Dan Kleban, a brewery owner \u2014 did not respond. Though Wood has not formally declared his candidacy, he said Tuesday that he is \u201ccontinuing conversations with voters\u201d about whether to enter the race.<\/p>\n

Gov. Janet Mills, who lost the Democratic primary to Platner but has been quiet since news of his latest scandals, also did not respond to the question.<\/p>

Read more Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, in Tel Aviv, sharply criticizes Netanyahu<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important for any replacement Democratic nominee to distinguish themselves from Platner while not discounting the issues he highlighted that made him compelling to voters, said Ian Russell, a Democratic operative who works in Maine. Democrats can emphasize the themes of Platner\u2019s campaign, including frustration with Washington and the political establishment, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccepting an endorsement from him would be a very dangerous thing to do in a Senate race with very little margin for error,\u201d Russell said. .<\/p>\n

The race could be critical in determining control of the Senate after the November midterms. Republicans have a 53-47 advantage in the chamber, and Democrats are looking to Maine as one of their most promising opportunities to flip a seat.<\/p>\n

Platner has been hemorrhaging support in recent days since Jenny Racicot, a former partner, accused him of having nonconsensual intercourse with her<\/a> and another ex-girlfriend said<\/a> he repeatedly removed protection without her consent while having sex. He has denied the allegations.<\/p>\n

Key Platner supporters, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), have withdrawn<\/a> their endorsements, and Senate Democrats\u2019 campaign arm said it would spend no more money on the race if he is the nominee.<\/p>\n

Platner has until Monday to withdraw from the race and allow another Democrat to replace him on the ballot. If he does so, the Maine Democratic Party would have two weeks to select a new nominee. The party has not said how it would do so.<\/p>

Read more Ukraine\u2019s Kostyuk extends Wimbledon run as attacks hit Kyiv. She slams IOC decision on Russia<\/a><\/p>\n

Dan Merica and Alexei Koseff contributed <\/i>to this report. <\/i><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Post asked would-be replacement candidates whether they wanted the support of Platner, who is under fire over a sexual assault allegation. 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