Graham Platner abandoned his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine after a sexual assault allegation was made against him. The exit was widely covered on July 8, with further coverage appearing the next day.
Vermont Representative Valli Geiger stated that Platner is urging other candidates to join the race. His exit now allows Democrats to choose a new nominee for the forthcoming primary. The party will begin the process immediately. The seat had been viewed as highly contested before his withdrawal.