SouthernWorldwide.com – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent progressive figure, has publicly urged Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from his Senate race following a serious rape allegation.
Mamdani’s statement came during a press conference on Tuesday, where he was alongside New York Governor Kathy Hochul. When questioned about Platner’s campaign and his own influence within the Democratic Party, Mamdani made his stance clear.
“I believe that it’s time for him to drop out of the race,” Mamdani stated. He also reiterated his focus on his own endorsed candidates, all of whom secured victories in New York City primaries last month.
Mamdani declined to comment further on the potential impact of Platner’s situation on the broader progressive movement. He indicated that the current focus should be on the conclusion of the campaign and that discussions about its wider implications would follow.
The mayor’s call for Platner’s withdrawal is the latest in a series of disavowals from progressive Democrats nationwide. This wave of condemnation followed a report detailing an alleged rape of Platner’s ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot.
Notably, Mamdani and Platner share connections, including having previously worked with some of the same key campaign aides. Morris Katz, a significant strategist in Mamdani’s successful mayoral campaign, is among those who have also been linked to Platner.
Despite the growing pressure, Graham Platner has not yet announced an end to his campaign. He released a video statement acknowledging the report and stating he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.”
Several other progressive Senate candidates, including James Talarico of Texas and Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, have also called for Platner to end his bid. Many of Platner’s congressional endorsements have since been rescinded.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who chairs the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, have both demanded Platner’s “immediate withdrawal.”
However, Senator Bernie Sanders, an I-Vt., who has been a staunch ally and supporter of Platner, has remained notably silent. Sanders had previously campaigned with Platner in Maine and defended him against earlier allegations of “unsettling” behavior with women.
