Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, accused Graham Platner’s campaign of attempting to influence the process for replacing him on the ballot, saying the campaign had “repeatedly reached out” in an effort to “put their thumb on the scale” of the selection process.
Murphy-Anderson made the accusation in a video statement posted to social media on Tuesday, July 7, following days of mounting pressure on Platner to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race after sexual assault allegations emerged against him. “The integrity of this process is just as important as the outcome,” Murphy-Anderson said, adding that she had “repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like.”
Platner’s campaign disputed the characterization, stating in a response that it had “reached out to the party to try and understand what this process would look like.” The campaign added: “At no point has the campaign tried to ‘put its finger on the scale.'” The campaign also noted that over 150,000 Mainers had voted for Platner and more than 15,000 had volunteered for his movement.
The dispute over the replacement process unfolded against the backdrop of serious allegations. On Monday, July 6, Politico published an account from a woman who said Platner had sexually assaulted her five years earlier while they were dating. The woman, Jenny Racicot, alleged that Platner forced her to have sex with him while intoxicated. Platner denied the allegation, releasing a video statement on social media. Following the report, multiple Democratic figures—including U.S. Representatives and senators—called for Platner to withdraw from the race.
On Wednesday, July 8, Platner announced he would drop out of the Senate race. His decision came as the Maine Democratic Party prepared to replace him, with state party leaders working to establish a fair and transparent selection process. The Maine Democratic Party voted to hold a nominating convention to choose Platner’s replacement, with a deadline of July 27 to complete the process. Maine Democrats are seeking to field a candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election.
Murphy-Anderson’s later statement, released on July 8, acknowledged frustration with Platner’s “continued efforts to manipulate this process” while thanking his supporters for their work. She emphasized the party’s commitment to an “open, inclusive, transparent and inclusive process” to select the new nominee.
Sources
- The Hill — Devon Murphy-Anderson’s accusation that Platner’s campaign sought to influence the replacement process, Platner campaign’s response, and context on the sexual assault allegations.
- Maine Democratic Party — Official statements from Devon Murphy-Anderson on the replacement process and the party’s commitment to transparency.
- The Washington Post — Confirmation that Maine Democrats have until July 27 to choose a replacement candidate.
- NBC News — Reporting on Platner’s exit from the race and the Maine Democratic Party’s process to select a replacement.
- Politico — Original reporting on the sexual assault allegation made by Jenny Racicot against Platner.
