Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner suspended his campaign Wednesday, just days before a key ballot deadline, after mounting controversies and allegations of “assault” led top Democratic leaders to call for him to withdraw.

Platner, who had defeated establishment-backed opponents in Maine’s Democratic primary and was set to challenge longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, announced he was suspending campaign operations, saying continuing his candidacy would hurt the broader movement.

“For the movement to continue, it can’t be me. For that reason, we are suspending campaign operations,” Platner said in a video posted to social media.

Platner denied the allegations against him, calling them “false” and insisting they did not happen.

“This is all false. The things that have been claimed did not happen. It is not real,” he said.

His withdrawal comes before Maine’s July 13 deadline, allowing the state Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee for the November election.

The campaign had already been engulfed in controversy over a Nazi tattoo.

In recent days, numerous prominent Democrats withdrew their support, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Ruben Gallego, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who publicly urged Platner to step aside.

Following Platner’s announcement, Schumer wrote on social media that Democrats remain committed to defeating Sen. Susan Collins and winning the Maine Senate seat.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also pledged to support the party’s eventual replacement nominee.

Republicans quickly seized on the developments, arguing the controversy reflects poorly on Maine Democrats as they prepare to nominate a new candidate.

The Maine Democratic Party is expected to choose a replacement nominee later this month.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)