- Maine oysterman Graham Platner withdrew his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, abandoning his bid to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
- Platner's decision followed a Politico report alleging sexual assault, which he denied, alongside previous controversies regarding his online posts and a tattoo.
- He stated his withdrawal was due to a loss of campaign resources and support from "those in power," not an admission of guilt regarding the allegations.
- His exit, just days before a key deadline, leaves Maine Democrats scrambling to find a new candidate by July 27 to challenge Collins for a crucial Senate seat.
- The Maine Democratic Party will convene 100 state committee members to select a replacement, with several potential candidates already being considered.
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