Key facts
- Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, faces allegations of sexual assault from two former girlfriends.
- One former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, alleges Platner repeatedly removed condoms during sex without her consent between 2013 and 2015.
- Another former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, previously accused Platner of rape.
- Platner denies all allegations.
- Donald Trump commented on the allegations, suggesting that "a lot of people say big falsehoods."
- Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer, are grappling with how to handle the situation and potentially replace Platner on the ballot.
Donald Trump has weighed in on the sexual assault allegations against Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, stating that "a lot of people say big falsehoods." Platner is facing accusations from two former girlfriends. Lyndsey Fifield alleges that Platner repeatedly removed condoms during sex without her consent between 2013 and 2015, describing his actions as "sneaky."
These allegations surfaced after another former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, accused Platner of rape. Platner denies all allegations.
The unfolding scandal has placed Senate Democratic leadership, including Chuck Schumer, in a difficult position. They are reportedly seeking a replacement candidate who has been better vetted, but face internal pressure to ensure voters have a say in the selection process to avoid alienating the party base and risking turnout. Figures like Senator Chris Murphy have emphasized the need for voter involvement, while Platner's campaign has stated he wants voters and volunteers, not the establishment, to make the decision on a replacement.
Platner has until July 13 to decide whether to withdraw, and the Maine Democratic Party must name a replacement by July 27. The situation is complicated by the high stakes for Democrats in unseating Republican Senator Susan Collins and securing a Senate majority.