Maine state lawmaker says Platner encouraged her to replace him on ballot

Campaign Maine state lawmaker says Platner encouraged her to replace him on ballot Comments: by Tara Suter - 07/09/26 11:06 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Tara Suter - 07/09/26 11:06 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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A state lawmaker in Maine claimed former Senate candidate Graham Platner (D) urged her to put her name in the ring to replace him on the ballot on Monday, days before he suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations.

State Rep. Valli Geiger (D) told local outlet WMTW that Platner talked with her earlier this week about jumping into the race. However, the outlet also reported that Geiger said the scandal-plagued oyster farmer floated other potential replacements.

“He said ‘Valli you are a fighter, you have been with this movement since the beginning,”” the state lawmaker said, according to WMTW.

When reached for comment, a Platner campaign spokesperson said that he had “not made any decision on endorsing.”

“Graham called Valli to thank her for her support and encouraged her to consider running if he stepped down,” the spokesperson added.

Platner announced late Wednesday his decision to end his bid for the race to unseat incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) amid controversy surrounding the sexual assault allegations and past social media posts.

“We’re suspending campaign operations,” Platner said in a video posted to the social platform X.

“I intend to file my paperwork to withdraw,” he added. “The process needs to assure that what comes next is reflective of the Mainers, who on June 9 turned out and showed that they are desperate for a different kind of politics.”

Platner has until 5 p.m. EDT on Monday, July 13, to formally leave the race. The Maine Democratic Party will then have until July 27 to announce a replacement nominee for the ticket.

The progressive oyster farmer easily won the Democratic primary last month in spite of an increasing list of controversies, including revelations surrounding a sexting scandal, covering up a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol and reports from former romantic partners about toxic behavior.

Many Democrats and organizations pulled their endorsements for Platner following the latest assault allegations, which he has denied.