A “Democrat” accused of rape withdraws from the US Senate race

The Democratic candidate for the US Senate for the state of Maine in the northeastern United States, Graham Blattner, withdrew from the electoral race after being accused of rape, in what represents a setback for one of the party’s most prominent opportunities to seize a seat controlled by Republicans. Blatner’s withdrawal came days after he was accused by a woman who was in a previous relationship with him, accusations he strongly denied, stressing that they were “false.”

But pressure within the Democratic Party quickly escalated, as prominent leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, called for Blattner’s withdrawal, while the party threatened to deprive his campaign of financial support. Blatner said in a video clip he posted on “X”: “We are suspending our election campaign. This is very difficult, because some will consider it an admission of guilt, but it is certainly not the case.”

Last month, Blattner won the party’s primary elections in the state, knowing that he is a newcomer to the world of politics, and his speech against the political establishment was well received by the voting base, while observers likened his political rise to that of President Donald Trump. The Maine seat, held by Republican Senator Susan Collins, is considered one of the most prominent electoral targets for Democrats seeking to regain the majority in the Senate.

Senator Bernie Sanders, a long-time supporter of Blatner, joined the group that backed off his endorsement, saying that he had spoken to Blatner, and “in light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step down.”