Maine Rep Valli Geiger Says Platner Supports Her Senate Run

Maine Democratic state Rep. Valli Geiger said on Wednesday that U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner has privately supported her as a potential replacement candidate as he faces mounting pressure to withdraw from the race following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. The development signals intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering as the state party works to salvage its effort to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Geiger told local media that Platner called her on Monday evening, praised her as a fighter who has been with the movement since the beginning, and asked if he could put her name forward, to which she agreed. She said Platner also expressed support for former state Senate President Troy Jackson and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows as possible successors. However, a spokesperson for Platner's campaign later clarified that no public endorsement had been made, stating Platner had only called to thank Geiger for her support and encourage her to consider running if he stepped down.

The calls for Platner to exit the race intensified this week after a former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, publicly accused him of raping her in 2021. A second former girlfriend subsequently...