Bernie Sanders joined the chorus of Democratic voices calling for Graham Platner to withdraw from Maine's Senate race following a rape allegation against the Democratic nominee.
The Vermont senator's statement marked a significant rupture with one of his remaining high-profile supporters in the state. Sanders had been among the last prominent allies willing to stand by Platner as the allegation threatened to derail the campaign.
The pressure on Platner has mounted steadily since the accusation surfaced, with party leadership and prominent figures increasingly vocal about his position as the nominee. Sanders' call for him to step aside signals that even those with close ties to the candidate have concluded he should not continue.
The timing underscores the political vulnerability of the Maine seat and the Democratic Party's efforts to present a clean slate heading into the general election. With the nominee facing credible allegations, party strategists have grown concerned about the damage to the entire ticket.
Platner has not immediately responded to Sanders' statement or indicated whether he intends to comply with the demand to exit the race. His decision in the coming days will determine whether the party can move forward with an alternative candidate or faces a prolonged distraction during the campaign.
The Maine Senate seat was already considered competitive, and party operatives are anxious to resolve the situation quickly to focus on other priorities. Whether Platner complies with the growing pressure remains uncertain, though Sanders' involvement suggests the window for him to remain on the ballot is rapidly closing.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Sanders' break with Platner is telling, because it means even the die-hard loyalists have run out of patience."
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