Graham Platner exits Maine Senate race amid assault allegations; Dems seek new nominee

https://time.com/article/2026/05/20/graham-platner-profile/

Rep. Ro Khanna, a Democrat from California, expressed regret on NBC’s “Meet the Press” over his previous endorsement of Graham Platner, following new allegations of sexual assault against the Maine Senate candidate. Platner has denied the allegations, which were made by a former partner, but he has since decided to withdraw from the Senate race. This development has significant implications for the Democratic Party’s efforts to regain control of the U.S. Senate, as the Maine seat is pivotal for their strategy. With Platner’s exit, the Maine Democratic Party is tasked with selecting a new nominee by July 27 to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

The market for who will be the Democratic nominee in Maine is reflecting this upheaval, with Platner’s chances plummeting. The odds of Troy Jackson being the nominee have risen, suggesting markets view his candidacy as more likely in light of recent events. Other potential nominees, such as Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah, are also being considered, though their odds remain lower compared to Jackson’s.

Key Takeaways

• Ro Khanna’s public regret over his endorsement appears to have influenced market perceptions of Graham Platner’s viability as a candidate.
• Graham Platner’s withdrawal from the Senate race has significantly decreased his chances in prediction markets, now at negligible levels.
• The odds for Troy Jackson as the Democratic nominee have increased, reflecting market expectations of his potential candidacy.

What to Watch

The Maine Democratic Party must now select a new nominee by July 27, a decision that will be closely monitored by markets. If Troy Jackson announces his candidacy, it could further solidify his position as the frontrunner in pricing. Meanwhile, any announcements from Shenna Bellows or Nirav Shah could shift the dynamics, affecting their respective odds. The party’s decision in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Democratic candidate’s prospects against Susan Collins.

Get live prediction-market analysis, powered by Vera. Sign up for Vera.