Platner Formally Withdraws From Maine Senate Race

Maine's Secretary of State confirmed Friday that Graham Platner submitted a signed formal withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race, so his name will not appear on the November 3 ballot. The written filing turns his earlier suspension into an official ballot change after a sexual assault allegation he denies and the collapse of support from national Democrats. State officials said the party may replace him by July 27, and Maine Democrats announced a July 25 nominating convention with 601 delegates from all 16 counties. His withdrawal letter closed with a Free Palestine slogan, keeping an Israel-policy signal attached to a competitive Senate race that pro-Israel voters will watch closely.