New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner should withdraw from the race following rape allegations against his ex-girlfriend. Mamdani made this call at a press conference with New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday.
Mamdani said, "I believe the time has come for him to withdraw from the race," and noted that his current focus is on the election races in New York. Platner, however, has not ended his campaign despite the allegations being detailed in a report, and said he is evaluating the best path forward.
Mamdani's statement came at a time when many Democrats nationwide are calling for Platner to withdraw from the race. Progressive candidates like James Talarico from Texas and Abdul El-Sayed from Michigan have made similar calls. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand demanded Platner's "immediate withdrawal."
Mamdani's distancing from Platner is notable, as the two shared top advisors like Morris Katz, a key strategist in Mamdani's mayoral campaign. However, Mamdani stated that he never formally endorsed Platner's campaign.
Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Platner's strongest supporters, remains silent on the matter. Sanders previously campaigned with Platner in Maine and defended him after another scandal involving "disturbing" behavior toward women.