Politics

Former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner dropped from Labor Day rally speaking role

Organizers cite safety concerns and intense media focus following abuse allegations, shifting Platner to leading a veterans' march instead.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 22:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

Graham Platner will not speak at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, marking a change in his first major public appearance since leaving the Senate race.
Event organizers canceled his address following safety concerns and requests from two women who have accused him of abuse.
Platner, who denies the allegations, is now scheduled only to lead a post-rally veterans' march.

Graham Platner will no longer deliver a speech at a Labor Day rally organized by Hancock County Activists in Ellsworth, Maine.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Organizers stated they canceled Platner's speech due to safety worries and heightened media attention after his former girlfriend and another woman who accused him of domestic abuse urged them not to host him.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Platner, who has denied all allegations of sexual assault and domestic abuse, will instead lead a veterans' march following the rally.[ABC News · Associated Press]
Platner withdrew in July from the U.S. Senate race against Republican incumbent Susan Collins, leading Maine Democrats to select former state Senate President Troy Jackson as their nominee.[ABC News · Associated Press]