STATEMENT: Gottheimer Renews Call for Platner to Exit Maine Senate Race as New Allegations Surface

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“The new allegations of sexual assault against Graham Platner are alarming and beyond unacceptable for any individual — regardless of whether they’re running for elected office. I have been calling for Platner to leave the race since abuse allegations first surfaced at the beginning of June. Graham’s Nazi tattoo alone was disqualifying enough.

Let me be very clear: there’s no room in the Democratic Party or Congress for Graham Platner.

We should always stand up to hate and condemn abuse, not make excuses for it. I’ve said it from the start: Platner needs to get off the ballot and make room for a candidate who can represent Maine with the integrity this seat and its constituents deserve.”

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