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Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other party leaders have already rescinded their endorsements of Platner in the wake of allegations from the candidate’s ex-girlfriend that he raped her in 2021.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