With Platner announcement he's out of Senate race, Maine Democrats weigh what to do now
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By Saige Miller

Thursday, July 9, 2026 • 4:01 PM EDT

Heard on All Things Considered Transcript
MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:

Maine Democrats are scrambling for a new U.S. Senate nominee to take on longtime incumbent Republican Susan Collins. That is, of course, because the Democratic nominee, Graham Platner announced he was suspending his bid after he was accused of rape by a former romantic partner. Planter (ph) denies that allegation. This all leaves Maine Democrats in a race against the clock to find Platner's replacement. NPR politics reporter Saige Miller is here with the latest. Hey, Saige.

SAIGE MILLER, BYLINE: Hey.

KELLY: So we know Platner dropped out of the race because powerful Democrats mobilized and urged him to get out. How is he explaining his decision?

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