Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner ended his campaign after facing allegations of sexual assault, marking a significant setback for his bid.The controversy emerged following a POLITICO report detailing claims that Platner forced a woman to have sex despite her objections.

Despite denying the allegations, Platner faced mounting pressure from Democratic leaders, progressive backers, and key financial supporters to withdraw.

His decision came amid broader scrutiny over past behavior, including previous accusations of inappropriate conduct and controversial social media posts.The withdrawal leaves Democrats scrambling to find a replacement candidate for the critical Senate race against Republican Susan Collins.

Platner's exit highlights the challenges of maintaining political momentum in the face of serious allegations, while also underscoring the internal dynamics within the Democratic Party as they navigate high-stakes elections.