Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign in Maine following sexual assault allegations from a former partner.
Platner denies the accusations and blames the "political establishment" for derailing his candidacy.
The sexual assault claim is the latest in a series of controversies that have plagued Platner's campaign over the past year.
The oyster farmer and combat veteran previously faced scrutiny after a tattoo resembling a Nazi Totenkopf symbol was discovered.
Platner also has a history of racist, misogynist, and homophobic posts on Reddit.
In June, three former partners accused him of toxic behavior and physical intimidation in a New York Times report, allegations he denied.
Impact on Senate Race
The suspension forces the Democratic Party to reassess its chances of flipping the Senate in November.
Political analysts note that voters were initially drawn to Platner but have been hesitant to abandon him despite the controversies.
The situation raises questions about political redemption and who receives that privilege. The discussion continues as the party evaluates its options moving forward.
