Top Democratic Senate hopefuls turn on Platner after bombshell rape allegation

"The credible allegations against Graham Platner cannot be ignored - he should withdraw from the race immediately," Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico said in a statement.

Talarico and other Democratic Senate candidates pitching themselves as progressives, including Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, former Rep. Mary Peltola in Alaska, former Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, all called on Platner to exit the race.

"Credible allegations of sexual assault cannot be ignored," El-Sayed said. "Voters in Maine deserve a choice for U.S. Senate that doesn't force them to make a moral compromise between sexual violence or corporate servitude."

But it's the first time the five Senate hopefuls have publicly admonished Platner after several scandals have dogged his campaign.

"Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, 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 I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," he said.

The clock is ticking for Democrats to figure out their next move - the deadline in Maine for a candidate to drop out is July 13. If Platner does withdraw by then, the Maine Democratic Party, which also disavowed his campaign, has until July 27 to nominate a replacement.

"These allegations are appalling," Collins said in a statement. "Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate."