WASHINGTON, July 6 - Graham Platner, who won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine, said on Thursday that he and his campaign were taking time to consider the best way forward after a news report published allegations against him that he denies.
Politico said the woman provided details of the allegation in three interviews and that the outlet reviewed supporting materials, including emails between the woman and her therapist and other correspondence. The report and the materials it cites form the basis of the published allegation; Platner has denied the account.
In his public comment, Platner did not specify whether he was actively weighing suspending his campaign or formally withdrawing from the race. The campaign's decision-making timeframe was described only as a period of reflection.
Also unresolved is the question of whether Maine Governor Janet Mills, who had mounted a campaign for the same Senate seat but suspended that bid earlier this year amid Platner's surge in fundraising and polling, would re-enter the contest if Platner were to step aside. The report and statements did not clarify Mills' intentions should the nominee withdraw.
Platner is contesting the seat long held by Republican Senator Susan Collins. The matchup has drawn attention as one of the more competitive races ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Control of Collins' seat figures into Democratic hopes of securing a Senate majority this cycle.
As of now, Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate and Democrats hold 47. Under that balance, Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to obtain majority control of the 100-member chamber. The status of the Maine contest therefore remains significant to broader party strategies for the fall.
For the moment, Platner's campaign remains active but in a period of reassessment following the publication of the allegation. The campaign's next steps and any decisions by other potential candidates to re-enter the race have not been announced.