Maine Democratic candidate Graham Platner appears to be holding the Democratic Party hostage — refusing to drop out after he was accused of rape unless he gets to approve his successor to run for the Senate, The Post has learned.

A source familiar with the campaign discussions said Platner, his campaign and political strategist Morris Katz are deliberating about the Maine Democrat dropping out but only if his replacement has the same anti-Israel, left-wing values that he does.

And the clock is ticking for Dems — there’s a deadline of Monday for Platner to withdraw and be replaced on the ballot, according to state election law.

“This vibes to me like a play from Bernie Sanders to slide in Troy Jackson,” another source said.

The elderly Vermont independent — who was Platner’s biggest backer — reportedly wants former Maine senate president Jackson to get the Democratic nomination to run against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

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