Graham Platner has suspended his Democratic campaign for the US Senate in Maine, following an allegation of sexual assault. The move clears the way for Maine Democrats to choose a new candidate as the party seeks to retake control of the chamber, and it removes a progressive contender who had positioned himself as an outsider against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). Platner's exit dominated cable news coverage and prompted debate over the Democratic Party's prospects and comparisons with allegations facing figures such as Donald Trump.

Platner, an oysterman who galvanised progressives, denied the allegation reported by Politico, in which a former partner, Jenny Racinot, said he had forced her to have sex five years ago. He said he was withdrawing not because of the claims but because of "structures that are being taken away from us by those in power". Maine Democrats plan to hold a nominating convention to pick a replacement by 27 July. Actor Patrick Dempsey ruled himself out of a run earlier the same day, while Platner's campaign had drawn Hollywood support from figures including Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and Ryan Murphy.