Key facts
- Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner faces a sexual assault allegation from late 2021, which he denies.
- Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly urged Platner to step down from his Senate bid.
- Over half of Senate Democrats, along with key outside groups and other Democratic figures, have withdrawn support and called for Platner's withdrawal.
- Platner has canceled campaign fundraisers and removed advertisements as he evaluates his candidacy.
- Maine Democrats must select a replacement nominee by July 13 if Platner withdraws after the primary.
Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner is contemplating his campaign's future amid a sexual assault allegation from late 2021, which he denies. Politico reported that Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend, accused Platner of forcing sex while she was intoxicated and objecting. Platner has called the accusation 'troubling, serious, and false.'
Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer, is in a competitive race against Republican Senator Susan Collins. The controversy intensifies as July 13 approaches, the deadline for Maine Democrats to replace a general-election nominee who withdraws post-primary. This situation follows prior scrutiny of Platner for offensive online comments and a tattoo criticized as a Nazi symbol. Recent polling suggests 75% of voters believe Platner should withdraw if another negative story about his personal life emerged.
Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly urged Platner to step aside. Over half of Senate Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have also called for his withdrawal. Representatives Ro Khanna and Ruben Gallego rescinded their endorsements, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged Platner to drop out, with his aides playing key roles in Platner's campaign. Democratic donor Morris Pearl confirmed a fundraiser was canceled due to uncertainty surrounding Platner's candidacy, stating he believes Platner is about to withdraw.