Democrats Abandon Senate Nominee En Masse Over Assault Allegation

Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary a month ago. On Monday, most of the party leaders who'd stood behind him walked away within hours of a single report.

Jenny Racicot told Politico that Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, an allegation Platner denies, though he said he would be considering his next steps for the campaign.

What Racicot Says Happened

Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner and that he entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her.

She said she cut off contact with him afterward and told him directly the incident wasn't consensual, later telling CNN she chose not to physically resist out of fear the former Marine would become more violent.

"He violated multiple layers of consent that night," Racicot said.

Platner's Response

Platner said in a video statement that "any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false," while acknowledging the political reality the report would create for his campaign.

"Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we're taking the time to reflect on the best path forward," he said.

His campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press.

How Fast the Party Turned

Senate Democrats' main campaign arm, led by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, called on Platner to "immediately withdraw" and said it would spend no money on the race if he remains the nominee.

Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren both pulled their endorsements, as did Maine's state legislative Democratic leaders and top state party officials.

Rep. Ro Khanna, who had defended Platner through earlier controversies, said this allegation crossed a line he'd already drawn publicly: "I've been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line."

📰 Read Also: Nevada Elections 2026 Become National Battleground as Key Primaries Reshape State Politics

Why This Race Matters So Much

Platner is set to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has held her seat for nearly three decades and beaten back multiple previous challenges.

Collins issued a brief statement calling the allegations "appalling" while noting it isn't her place to choose the Democratic nominee.

Maine law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by 13 July, with a replacement candidate required by 27 July.

📰 Read Also: Establishment Underdog: Xavier Becerra Advances to California Gubernatorial General Election

The Pattern Behind This Controversy

This isn't Platner's first controversy. He has a chest tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, was reported by the New York Times to have had a volatile past relationship that turned physical, and once posted on Reddit in 2013 suggesting sexual assault victims should "take some responsibility for themselves," a comment he has since apologized for.

Progressive organization Our Revolution, founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders, said the allegations were "too serious to treat as a distraction," while signaling a preference for a replacement candidate with a proven labor and working-class record.

Some Maine Democrats remain torn: Brunswick business owner Mike Connelly said he wants Platner to withdraw but would still vote for him over Collins if he stays on the ballot, saying he'd "vote for a comatose Democrat" first.

📰 Read Also: LA Mayor Race: Nithya Raman Overtakes Spencer Pratt for Runoff Spot

TL;DR

• Jenny Racicot alleges Graham Platner sexually assaulted her in 2021; Platner denies the allegation.

• Senate Democratic leaders Gillibrand and Schumer called on Platner to withdraw immediately.

• Multiple senators and Maine party officials pulled their endorsements within hours of the report.

• Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by 13 July, with a replacement named by 27 July.

• Platner faces Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has held the seat for nearly three decades.

Read More

• Karmelo Anthony Case — Why the Trial Is Suddenly Trending Again

• Peru's 2026 Election Too Close to Call

• Nancy Lacore Runoff Shakes South Carolina Race