Key facts
- Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner is considering his candidacy.
- A woman named Jenny Racicot accused Platner of sexual assault in late 2021.
- Platner has denied the allegation, calling it 'troubling, serious, and false.'
- Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego rescinded their endorsements of Platner.
- The deadline for Maine Democrats to replace a nominee is July 13.
Maine Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner announced he is taking time to reflect on his candidacy following a report detailing a sexual assault allegation from late 2021. Platner has denied the accusation, describing it as 'troubling, serious, and false,' but acknowledged the significant political fallout the report would create.
Jenny Racicot, who previously had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, told Politico that he forced her to have sex while intoxicated, despite her objections. She stated she decided to come forward to provide voters with a fuller understanding of Platner's character. Politico reported reviewing emails between Racicot and her therapist, as well as messages with others, related to the alleged incident.
Platner, a combat veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic primary and has been in a competitive race against six-term Republican Senator Susan Collins. The controversy arises at a critical juncture for Democrats aiming to flip the seat. The allegation also comes as a key deadline approaches under Maine election law: July 13, the last day for a party to replace a general-election nominee who withdraws after the primary.
This is not the first controversy for Platner, who has previously faced scrutiny over offensive online comments, sexually explicit messages, and a tattoo criticized as resembling a Nazi symbol. He has apologized for some past conduct while denying allegations of abusing women. Recent polling indicated that 75 percent of voters believed Platner should drop out if another negative story about his personal life surfaced.