Replacements for Graham Platner as Democratic senate candidate 'won't fund Israel's genocide'

Lead

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, formally ended his campaign with a pro-Palestinian message, writing "F* ICE. Free Palestine. Up the Hearts" in his withdrawal letter to the secretary of state, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. His exit has left the party scrambling to find a replacement, with several potential candidates now facing scrutiny over their positions on Israel and the conflict in Gaza.

Platner, an oyster fisherman and populist who rose from political obscurity, withdrew after sexual assault allegations led even his closest allies to distance themselves. He has denied the allegations and claimed he did not know what his Nazi tattoo represented. In his withdrawal speech and letter, Platner framed his exit as the result of a conspiracy against him and the progressive movement, rather than a consequence of the controversies.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post, the sole outlet whose coverage is available, has reported on Platner's withdrawal, the potential replacements, and the shifting stances of some candidates. In one report, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a candidate to replace Platner, agreed with Platner's claim that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Asked on CNN, Bellows said, "Yes. Israel — the Israeli government is committing genocide in Gaza right now," and added that the U.S. should not send taxpayer funds to Israel.

Another Jerusalem Post article highlighted Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer and one-time rival for the nomination, who has now changed his stance on Israel. Wood, who previously avoided using the term "genocide" citing concerns about rising antisemitism, now accuses Israel of genocide and credits Platner for his shift. "Graham got into this race saying, 'This is genocide,'" Wood said. "And I learned that it is so important in these moments to draw those moral lines."

A third report examined the field of potential replacements, including Nirav Shah, who supports an arms embargo on Israel, and Troy Jackson, who had a close political alliance with Platner until calling for him to step aside. The report noted a range of views among candidates on issues such as the pro-Israel lobby and arms sales to Israel.

Key Claims

• Graham Platner ended his Senate bid with a pro-Palestinian note, writing "F* ICE. Free Palestine. Up the Hearts" in his withdrawal letter, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

• Shenna Bellows, Maine's secretary of state and a candidate to replace Platner, agreed that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and said the U.S. should not send taxpayer funds to Israel, per the Jerusalem Post.

• Platner denied sexual assault allegations and claimed not to know what his Nazi tattoo represented, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

• Nirav Shah, a potential replacement, supports an arms embargo on Israel, according to the Jerusalem Post.

• Troy Jackson, another potential replacement, had a close political alliance with Platner until calling for him to step aside, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

• Jordan Wood, once hesitant to use the term "genocide," has changed his stance and now accuses Israel of genocide, crediting Platner for his shift, per the Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

Graham Platner: Platner maintains his exit was the result of a conspiracy against him and the progressive movement, not a consequence of the allegations. He denies the sexual assault accusations and says he did not know what his tattoo represented.

Shenna Bellows: Bellows, a candidate to replace Platner, agrees with Platner's claim that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and argues the U.S. should not fund such actions.

Jordan Wood: Wood, a former rival, now accuses Israel of genocide, crediting Platner for his change in attitude. He describes the situation as a "moral atrocity."

Pro-Israel groups: Democratic Majority for Israel and the Jewish Democratic Council of America have urged the party to nominate a candidate aligned with their values, expressing concern over Platner's record and the allegations against him.

Potential replacements: Nirav Shah and Troy Jackson, among others, are considering bids, with varying positions on Israel and related issues.