Graham Platner announced he would withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine following the emergence of a sexual assault allegation. The decision ends a campaign that had surged despite multiple controversies earlier in the race and had put Democrats in a crucial, tightly contested position because Maine is seen as key to determining which party controls the Senate.

His withdrawal is expected to trigger a replacement process under Maine’s election rules, with Democratic leaders moving quickly to choose a new nominee so the party can maintain its competitiveness against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.