India, July 9 -- Democrats in Maine are racing to find a replacement for Senate candidate Graham Platner after he suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations, leaving the party with a short window to choose a new nominee ahead of the November election.

Platner announced on July 8 that he was suspending his campaign after saying he was "taking time to reflect on the best path forward." He has until July 13 to formally withdraw from the race, after which the Maine Democratic Party can name a replacement by July 27.

The development has thrown an already closely watched Senate contest into uncertainty. Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 73, is seeking another term, while Democrats view the race as a potential opportunity to flip...