Democrats are awaiting a decision from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as party leaders weigh whether they will need to find a replacement in one of the party's key races to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

Platner said Monday he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" after a former girlfriend accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021. The allegation was first reported by Politico, with additional reporting by The Washington Post.

Platner denied the allegation but acknowledged the political impact it could have on his campaign.

"Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting ... we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement that I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," he said in a video posted on X.

The allegation is the latest in a series of controversies that have dogged Platner's campaign since he entered the race last year.

Previous issues have included criticism of past social media posts about sexual assault, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he later covered, sexually explicit text messages sent after his 2023 marriage, and allegations of physical violence by former girlfriends.

The developments have prompted Democrat leaders and other party figures to call on Platner to withdraw from the race.

Senate Democrat leaders said Monday they would withhold financial support if he remains the party's nominee.

The timing of Platner's decision has become increasingly important because of Maine election law.

While he may withdraw at any point before the November election, Democrats can replace him on the ballot only if he exits by July 13, the deadline for finalizing candidates.

If Platner withdraws before then, the Maine secretary of state can declare a vacancy, giving Democrats until July 27 to choose a new nominee.

The Post reported that attention has already turned to possible replacements should Platner step aside.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., withdrew his endorsement and promoted former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson as a potential nominee.

Other Democrats mentioned as possible replacements include former Maine health official Nirav Shah and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Both have publicly urged Platner to leave the race.

Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, making the Maine race one Democrats consider important to their hopes of narrowing or erasing the GOP advantage.