NYC’s Zohran Mamdani says it is time for Graham Platner to call it quits in Maine
by Seth McLaughlin · The Washington TimesNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani added his voice to the growing chorus of prominent Democrats urging Graham Platner to end his U.S. Senate bid in Maine — a sign of just how quickly the party is moving to shut down his campaign.
“I believe it’s time for him to drop out of the race,” Mr. Mamdani, who has emerged as a far‑left kingmaker in New York, told reporters Tuesday. “I think the only appropriate response is for the campaign to come to an end.”
For months, Mr. Platner, who shares political consultants with Mr. Mamdani, has managed to push past earlier controversies as he tried to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race Democrats see as central to their hopes of flipping the Senate.
But the campaign is in crisis mode after allegations from Jenny Racicot, a 41‑year‑old Maine resident who dated him on and off for two years.
Ms. Racicot said Mr. Platner showed up drunk at her home uninvited late one night in 2021 and forced her to have sex with him despite her repeated objections.
Mr. Mamdani’s remarks put him in line with fellow New Yorkers Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, who have called for Mr. Platner to exit the race.
SEE ALSO: Platner swamped with resignation calls after rape allegation rocks Senate campaign
They previously backed his primary rival, Gov. Janet Mills.
Meanwhile, some of Mr. Platner’s biggest allies — including Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Ro Khanna of California — have withdrawn their endorsements and called on him to leave the race after previously sticking with him through turbulent times.
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Under Maine law, Mr. Platner has until Monday to withdraw if Democrats want the chance to replace him on the ballot. If he leaves the race, they will have until July 27 to tap a substitute.
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Seth McLaughlin
smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com
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