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2026 Maine Senate Race
Last Update: 08/01/2026 at 12:01 PM EST
Sanders Defends Handling of Platner’s Maine Senate Withdrawal
Coverage from Mediaite, Salon, and others
Articles
10
Days Since Update
4
The Story
Bernie Sanders defended his handling of Graham Platner’s exit from Maine’s Senate race, saying he did not believe he should have pressed the candidate to withdraw earlier. Sanders said he joined Platner’s supporters in urging withdrawal after serious allegations emerged, and Platner left the race. The remarks came alongside Sanders’ broader defense of anti-establishment progressive candidates against criticism from Rahm Emanuel.
First Article: 07/27/26
Latest Article: 07/28/26
The Bigger Picture
Articles in this story are part of a shaping these topics.
Jackson Secures Collins Challenge
Troy Jackson rapidly consolidated Democratic delegates after Graham Platner withdrew and secured the party’s Senate nomination.
Jackson Replaces Platner Against Collins
Maine Democrats selected former state Senate President Troy Jackson after Graham Platner withdrew amid allegations and other controversies that he denies.
Articles
07-28-2026
Mediaite / Alex Griffing
John Fetterman criticized Democratic progressives on CNBC Tuesday, including criticism of Bernie Sanders over defense of former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner.
07-27-2026
Fox Wilmington
Bernie Sanders defended his Platner endorsement as Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson on a 566-5 vote to challenge Susan Collins with about 100 days left.
07-27-2026
Fox News / CJ Womack
Bernie Sanders said he urged Graham Platner to withdraw after sexual assault allegations as Maine Democrats selected Troy Jackson to challenge Susan Collins in 2026.
07-27-2026
AOL
Bernie Sanders said he urged Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Democratic Senate contest after sexual assault allegations, following his formal exit and Troy Jackson's nomination.
07-26-2026
Salon / Alex Galbraith
Bernie Sanders discussed progressive politics and explained his Maine Senate endorsement of Graham Platner after Platner withdrew over sexual assault allegations.
07-26-2026
The Hill / Ryan Mancini
Bernie Sanders told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that he does not regret supporting Graham Platner and defended backing Troy Jackson as Maine Democratic nominee replacement.
07-26-2026
Washington Examiner / Brady Knox
Bernie Sanders said he does not regret endorsing Graham Platner, backed Troy Jackson, and argued the replacement could defeat Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.
07-26-2026
New York Post / Ryan King
Bernie Sanders described shifting support from Graham Platner to urging withdrawal after rape allegations, then backed Troy Jackson for the Maine Senate nomination against Susan Collins.