Mamdani calls on Graham Platner to cancel Maine Senate campaign
Zoran Mamdani on Tuesday called on Platner to halt his campaign. Here’s what you need to know:
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani called for the Maine Senate race to be canceled after political hopeful Graham Platner was accused of sexual misconduct.
Mr. Mamdani joins a number of members of the Democratic Party who have suggested Mr. Platner resign.
Here’s what you need to know:
Graham Platner accused of sexual misconduct
Jenny Racicot, a woman Platner previously dated, alleged that the Senate candidate sexually assaulted her at his home in 2021.
In an interview with Politico, Racicot said Platner came into her home drunk and uninvited one night. She claims he assaulted her after she repeatedly told him to stop.
Mr. Platner, who is running against Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, denied the accusations. He had recently begun his political career after serving in the military, working as an oysterman, and promoting progressive policies.
“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political realities it will cause, we are taking time to reflect on the best path forward for the state I love, the people I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins,” Plattner said.
“These were my goals when I started this campaign, and they are still my goals.”
Mr. Mamdani and others ask Mr. Platner to withdraw from the school.
Since the allegations were revealed earlier this week, multiple names in the Democratic Party have called for Plattner to withdraw from the race.
One of the most high-profile people to reach out to Mr. Platner is Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who once defended his race. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ro Khanna also called for Mr. Platner’s resignation.
“I spoke with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” Sanders said Tuesday.
“In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he resign.”
Mamdani joined other progressive Democrats in calling for his resignation this week.
“I think it’s time for him to withdraw from the race,” Mamdani said at a separate press conference on Tuesday.
“Today’s focus is to respond to the gravity of what many of us have read, and I think the only appropriate response is for the campaign to end.”
Mamdani had not previously supported Platner.
