Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for a US Senate seat in Maine, is facing mounting pressure from within his own party to abandon his campaign after a woman publicly accused him of rape, alleging an assault five years ago. Platner strongly denies the allegation, describing it as false and politically motivated. The controversy matters because Maine is a key target for Democrats hoping to overturn the Republicans' slim Senate majority in this year's midterm elections, and the scandal weakens the party's already narrow path to control of the chamber.

Platner, a combat veteran turned oyster farmer who was previously backed by leading progressives, won the Democratic primary but is now the subject of calls to quit from figures including Bernie Sanders. If he suspends his campaign before 5pm on Monday 13 July, the Maine Democratic Party could replace him on the ballot, choosing a new candidate by 27 July. He is running against long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term and who defied predictions six years ago by winning re-election against Sara Gideon by nine points.