Graham Platner, the former Maine Democratic Senate nominee, is scheduled to appear as a featured speaker at a Labor Day rally organized by Hancock County Activists in Ellsworth, Maine. The event represents one of his first public appearances since ending his campaign.
Platner secured the Democratic primary nomination to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins but withdrew from the race in July following a Politico report in which a former girlfriend alleged he sexually assaulted her. Platner denied the allegation but stated at the time that he was stepping aside due to the importance of defeating Collins. The state Democratic Party subsequently held a special convention and nominated former state Senate President Troy Jackson as his replacement.
According to organizers, Platner is expected to discuss the history of unions and organized labor’s role in American communities rather than address his campaign. He previously spoke at the same rally last year. The Hancock County Democratic Committee initially posted information about the event on its website but removed the reference to Platner on Thursday afternoon. The committee chair characterized the posting as informational, stating that people could decide whether to attend.
Two women who have made allegations against Platner—Jenny Racicot, who accused him of sexual assault, and Lyndsey Fifield, who accused him of domestic abuse—issued a joint statement asserting that he is “trying to sweep the truth under the rug.” Platner has denied both allegations. The Maine Republican Party also criticized the event, with a party spokeswoman stating that Maine voters were “disgusted” by Platner’s actions and characterizing his continued prominence as indicating Democrats are “out of touch” with the state.
Platner’s campaign faced multiple controversies over several months, including reports of sexually explicit text messages exchanged while married and a tattoo he acknowledged as a Nazi symbol, which he later covered. Platner has maintained a low profile since dropping out and declined to comment for this report.
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