Maine Democratic officials are scrambling to replace nominee Graham Platner after allegations of sexual assault prompt his withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race. Multiple outlets report that Platner quits or plans to withdraw, leaving Democrats with limited time before the midterm election and a need to select a new candidate for the Democratic ballot line. The state party urges that Platner not play any role in choosing a replacement. Bloomberg reports Maine’s Democratic Party instructs Platner to withdraw immediately and commits that he will have no role in replacement selection. The Hill adds that Maine Democratic Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson says Platner’s campaign sought to influence who would replace him, and that party leaders emphasize the integrity of the replacement process.

Coverage also describes the rapid rise and fall of Platner, including claims from a person familiar with the campaign that out-of-state activists recruited him to run, with one person described as becoming Platner’s “right-hand man.” Other reports reference multiple potential replacement contenders and ongoing debate within the party over whether to distance itself from Platner’s wing.