Politico Congress

Morris Katz, a Democratic strategist, stated that he and others advised Graham Platner to suspend his Maine Senate campaign after learning of rape allegations against him. Katz confirmed Platner plans to file paperwork to terminate his campaign, though the Maine Secretary of State's office has not yet received it.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced her Senate campaign to replace Graham Platner. Bellows, who lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary, joins other contenders for the Democratic nomination and faces scrutiny over her 2014 Senate loss to Susan Collins.

Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley requested detailed information from FBI Director Kash Patel about his use of FBI resources, including flights and vehicle purchases, as Patel faces allegations of misusing government jets and SWAT teams for personal purposes. Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Dick Durbin also called for transparency, citing concerns over taxpayer spending. Patel denies the allegations, and Grassley emphasized his long-standing commitment to scrutinizing FBI directors regardless of administration.

Jordan Wood, a former Capitol Hill staffer, has entered the Maine Senate race for the Democratic nomination following Graham Platner's withdrawal. He aims to build on Platner's populist movement while distancing himself from his Washington ties, facing competition from candidates like Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson.

Susan Collins' re-election campaign faces uncertainty after Graham Platner withdrew from the race, forcing Democrats to select a new nominee. Collins' team had leveraged Platner's controversies to counter his challenge, but his exit complicates their strategy. Democrats plan a nominating convention, while Republicans aim to associate the new nominee with Platner's allegations.

The House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network will reach its one-year mark with no resolution in sight. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed pressure to continue probing Epstein's associates, including high-profile figures like Howard Lutnick, Leon Black, and Bill Gates, while new names such as Frédéric Fekkai and Philip Levine have emerged. The probe remains politically charged, with neither party showing signs of slowing down despite limited progress in securing criminal charges.

Graham Platner’s campaign collapsed following a POLITICO report of a new sexual assault allegation against him. The article details how the campaign unraveled in the days after the allegation was published.

Cheyenne Hunt, a lawyer and executive director of Reckoning Action, expressed relief over Graham Platner's withdrawal from the Maine Senate race and praised Democrats for prioritizing values. Hunt, who linked allegations against Platner and former Rep. Eric Swalwell, withdrew support from Platner after ex-partners described his behavior as 'reckless' and 'unsettling'.

Graham Platner's exit from Maine's Senate race removes a perceived advantage for Sen. Susan Collins' reelection bid, as his personal controversies were expected to help offset challenges in a blue state. Collins' team now faces the prospect of a more conventional general election with a Democratic candidate having a 'cleaner record.'

Republicans criticized Graham Platner after he suspended his campaign, attempting to link Democrats to his failed candidacy. GOP figures accused Democrats of undermining Maine voters and expressed confidence in Susan Collins' re-election despite the state being won by Kamala Harris in 2024.

Senate Democrats' campaign arm has re-entered the Maine Senate race and launched a fund to support the party's new nominee following Graham Platner's withdrawal. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Senate Majority PAC aim to defeat GOP Sen. Susan Collins and secure Senate control.

Troy Jackson, a progressive ally of Graham Platner, officially launched a Senate campaign with endorsements from Bernie Sanders and progressive support. A flash poll by Platner's campaign and POLITICO showed Jackson leading over Susan Collins, though he has distanced himself from Platner.

Graham Platner has not yet officially submitted paperwork to withdraw from the Senate race, according to a spokesperson for Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' office. Platner announced he is suspending his campaign but intends to file withdrawal paperwork, while Bellows is being considered as a possible replacement.

Senate Majority PAC, Democrats’ top Senate super PAC, is committed to defeating GOP Sen. Susan Collins following Graham Platner’s suspension of his campaign. The PAC had previously threatened to cut resources if Platner remained on the ticket after allegations against him, which he denies, were reported by POLITICO.

President Donald Trump stated that the controversy over Maine oysterman Graham Platner involves 'whether you believe the woman' who accused him of sexual assault. Platner, a Democratic Senate nominee, has lost support after allegations emerged, with Democrats considering a replacement. Trump questioned if Democrats should replace Platner, referencing a separate woman who accused him of mistreatment but not sexual assault.

The Maine Democratic Party plans a 600-person nominating convention to select a replacement for Senate candidate Graham Platner if he withdraws. The convention would include 500 delegates elected by county committees and 100 state committee members, with details to be announced soon.

Troy Jackson removed X posts about Graham Platner, including an endorsement and campaign event announcements. A spokesperson confirmed Jackson rescinded his endorsement of Platner. Our Revolution, a Sanders-aligned group, shifted its endorsement to Jackson, while some Maine Democrats criticize Platner's campaign tactics.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has publicly requested Sen. Mitch McConnell to provide a health update following a weekslong hospitalization. The governor cited public concern over the lack of transparency regarding McConnell's condition and ability to serve, while also noting changes to Kentucky's succession law that affect Senate vacancy appointments.

Speaker Mike Johnson is considering a House vote to end birthright citizenship for children of pregnant women entering the U.S. legally, aiming to satisfy conservative demands. The proposal would be symbolic due to Senate filibuster challenges, while Johnson faces pressure to address Trump’s border priorities and resolve internal GOP divisions over immigration reform.

Democrats in Maine seek a replacement for Graham Platner amid allegations of sexual assault, which he denies. Party leaders, including Chuck Schumer, avoid involvement to prevent voter backlash and ensure a transparent process. Platner remains in the race until July 13, with the Maine Democratic Party required to name a replacement by July 27.