Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have called on Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out following allegations that he forced a woman to have sex with him, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). The Maine Democratic Party also urges him to withdraw. Platner, an anti-Israel candidate who won the primary, now faces mounting pressure from party leaders.
The pressure campaign against Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner escalated sharply overnight. By 22:46 Jerusalem on Monday, senators including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand had publicly called on him to withdraw from the Maine race, joining a growing list of party figures urging his exit as first reported by N12's Asaf Rozentzweig.
This development follows a rapid sequence of revelations Monday. At 22:46 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the candidate had canceled campaign events ahead of a looming scandal (version 1). Shortly after, a Politico report surfaced in which an ex-girlfriend accused him of forcing her to have sex nearly five years ago — an allegation Platner denied (version 2). By the same timestamp, additional Democratic senators joined the calls for his withdrawal (version 6), and both Schumer and Gillibrand were named among those demanding he exit the race (version 5). Earlier reporting indicated Platner was considering dropping out (version 4).
As The Zioneer reported on Wednesday, June 10, Platner won the Democratic primary with roughly 75% of the vote despite prior controversy over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol (since covered) and past allegations about his behavior toward women. He was described as anti-Israel in multiple reports, including praise for Hamas. The race in Maine against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins is considered a key battleground.
It remains unclear whether Platner will comply with the calls to withdraw, or whether party leaders will pursue legal or procedural measures to force his removal from the ballot. Platner has not yet publicly responded to the renewed demands.
8 developments
- StrongGraham Platner wins Maine Senate primary, will face Susan Collins
- DevelopingMaine primary winner stumbles when asked about alleged Nazi tattoo on national TV
- DevelopingSen. Fetterman decries rising anti-Israel sentiment within Democratic Party
- DevelopingRonen Tzor resigns from the Democrats party
Source and signal
- Internal intake