Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, is under heavy pressure to drop out of the race. A woman has accused him of sexual assault, and his own state Democratic Party is now saying he's also trying to manipulate who would replace him if he leaves.

The Maine Democratic Party's leader, Devon Murphy-Anderson, said Platner's team "repeatedly" tried to contact party officials about controlling the replacement selection. "Graham Platner must drop out of this race," she said The Guardian. So far, Platner has only said he is "taking the time to reflect" and "considering next steps" — not a clear yes or no about staying or leaving PBS NewsHour.

The Guardian reported that a woman who previously dated Platner says he forced her to have sex while drunk The Guardian. Platner denies this. But the allegation is not the only concern about his conduct. In June, a New York Times report looked into how he has treated women The Guardian. The Maine Democratic Party also said "multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner" over recent weeks Maine Democratic Party.

National Democratic leaders are abandoning Platner. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders have both told him to step aside The Guardian. Major Democratic supporters are pulling their endorsements TIME. Even other Democrats in Maine are critical. State Senator Joe Baldacci said Platner's actions have put "the Democratic Party in a shambles" The Guardian.

There is a deadline — and it is fast approaching. Under Maine law, if Platner wants to drop out and let Democrats pick someone else, he must quit by July 13 at 5pm. After that, Maine Democrats have until July 27 at 5pm to decide on a replacement The Guardian. That's only five days to decide to leave, then about two weeks to find a new candidate. The compressed timeline explains why Democrats are worried that Platner might try to control who replaces him — it gives a departing candidate real leverage.

Three names are already being discussed as possible replacements: Nirav Shah, a former health official in Maine; Shenna Bellows, Maine's current secretary of state; and Troy Jackson, a former Maine state senate leader The Guardian. But no one has been officially chosen.

This matters beyond Maine. The state's Senate seat is one Democrats think they could win in 2026, which would help them gain control of the US Senate. The seat is currently held by Republican Susan Collins, who has been in the Senate for five terms The Guardian. A messy, delayed replacement could cost Democrats time and money they need to compete.

Platner's campaign has not responded to requests for comment The Guardian. Until he decides, the party cannot move forward with picking a new nominee. Maine Democrats are essentially frozen — waiting for one person to make a decision that could reshape the race.