Graham Platner Withdraws from Labor Day Rally Speaking Engagement

Former Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is no longer scheduled to speak at a Labor Day rally, marking his first major public appearance since he ended his campaign against Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Platner, who won the Democratic nomination in June but withdrew in July following allegations of sexual assault made by a former girlfriend, was expected to address labor history and the significance of unions in the United States during the rally in Ellsworth, near his hometown of Sullivan. Event organizers received requests from the former girlfriend and another woman who accused him of domestic abuse to prevent him from speaking. On Wednesday, organizers announced that the planned speech was attracting negative media attention, leading to the decision for Platner to instead lead a veterans’ march after the rally. Carol Leonard, a member of Hancock County Activists, a progressive group organizing the event, stated, "Graham is not speaking. The media frenzy got just too insane, and we became concerned about safety." Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran, gained attention during his campaign for focusing on working-class issues, including housing and healthcare costs. His campaign faced multiple controversies, including reports of sexually explicit text messages exchanged with women while married and the emergence of a tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, which he later covered up. After Platner's withdrawal from the race, Democrats nominated former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson to run against Collins. Jackson, who previously campaigned with Platner, has distanced himself from him following the allegations. The Ellsworth event is set for midday and will feature speakers, live music, and the veterans’ march.