GORHAM, Maine — In a dramatic turn of events, Democratic nominee Graham Platner’s Senate campaign has unraveled following serious allegations of sexual assault reported by POLITICO. Platner, who had been a prominent figure in Maine’s political landscape, has been denounced by key Democratic leaders and supporters nationwide.

Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with other influential Democrats including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, urged Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race. This battleground contest is viewed as critical for the Democrats' ambitions to reclaim the Senate this November.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which had previously announced joint fundraising initiatives with Platner, reversed course, stating it would cease all financial support if Platner remains in the race. Similarly, the Democratic National Committee discontinued its fundraising efforts with Platner, with DNC Chair Ken Martin declaring it was time for Platner to end his campaign.

The fallout extended beyond the corridors of power in Washington. Prominent Democratic senators and representatives, including Elizabeth Warren, Martin Heinrich, and Ro Khanna, have publicly disavowed Platner. Even staunch supporters like Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego have withdrawn their endorsements in light of the allegations.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by the immediate withdrawal of support from major advocacy groups such as VoteVets and End Citizens United, and a strategic redirection of resources by the Senate Majority PAC away from Maine’s Senate race.

This collective retreat marks a stark departure from the party's earlier response to controversies surrounding Platner, including past accusations of inappropriate behavior and troubling symbols in his tattoos. Initially, many within the party had reluctantly rallied behind Platner after the withdrawal of Maine Gov. Janet Mills from the race.

The latest accusation comes from Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident, who claimed that Platner forcibly entered her home in 2021 and assaulted her. Platner has denied these allegations. In the wake of this report, Maine Democrats are reportedly considering potential replacements should Platner decide to drop out before the legal deadline.

Among those discussed as possible replacements are former gubernatorial candidates Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and public health official Nirav Shah. Meanwhile, Maine Democratic nominee for governor, Hannah Pingree, has echoed the calls for Platner to step aside, urging the mobilization of the voter base towards a new candidate.

As the political storm continues, some Maine voters, like 32-year-old Tracey Lewis from Standish, remain in limbo, expressing a desire to hear Platner’s response to the allegations. However, with his campaign events suspended and support dwindling, Platner’s political future hangs in the balance.

Emma Vigeland, a prominent progressive voice, expressed her disillusionment, emphasizing the need for the left to take these allegations seriously and advocating for Platner’s withdrawal from the race.

As the situation unfolds, Platner has stated he is reflecting on the best path forward, leaving both his supporters and detractors waiting for his next move.

*Jordain Carney, Andrew Howard, Adam Wren, and Erin Doherty contributed to this report.*