Accused rapist Graham Platner lists demands to Dems as he weighs dropping out of Maine Senate race

Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner is furiously debating with his campaign team and advisers whether to abandon the US Senate race challenging incumbent Republican Susan Collins — and has issued a list of demands to members of his own party for his preferred replacement candidate if he does.

A source familiar with the campaign discussions told The Post that Platner, his campaign and political strategist Morris Katz are deliberating about the Maine Democrat dropping out but only if a successor emerges with the same values and policies.

The New York Times first reported on the talks.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026. AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other party leaders have already rescinded their endorsements of Platner in the wake of allegations from the candidate’s ex-girlfriend that he raped her in 2021.

The source added that Platner “assumes whoever might replace [him] would want a rapist’s endorsement.”

“His team is delusional,” this person said, noting that Katz, a former campaign adviser to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is still recommending Platner remain in the race.

Reps for the Platner campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.