Key facts
- Jenny Racicot accused Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault.
- Platner denies the allegations, calling them false.
- The alleged incident occurred in 2021.
- Platner is considering the future of his campaign.
- Maine Democrats have deadlines to select a replacement nominee.
Jenny Racicot has accused Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, of sexual assault, alleging that in late 2021, Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her. Platner has vehemently denied the claims, stating they are false and "categorically untrue." Racicot told Politico she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for over two years and terminated contact after the alleged encounter. The report cited corroborating accounts from a man Racicot confided in, as well as therapist emails and messages. Platner has canceled campaign events and is reportedly considering the future of his campaign. According to Maine law, Democrats have until July 13 for a candidate to withdraw and until July 27 to select a replacement nominee for the general election.