Sanders Calls for Platner to Withdraw Over Sexual Assault Claims
Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent progressive and one of Graham Platner’s earliest and most influential supporters, has publicly called on Platner to withdraw from the US Senate race in Maine. Sanders cited "very serious allegations" of sexual assault against Platner as the reason for his recommendation.
Platner has denied the allegations, which were first reported by Politico. Despite his denial, a growing number of political figures have urged him to step aside as the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat. Platner stated he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" following the publication of the report.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for ,” said Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont. “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor and another prominent progressive Democrat, declared that the "only appropriate response" to the accusations against Platner was for him to end his campaign. Mamdani told reporters,
“I believe that it’s time for him to drop out of the race.”
Details of the Allegations and Political Fallout
The allegations against Platner were detailed in a Politico report published on Monday. Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated Platner, accused him of forcing her to have sex despite her repeated objections. Platner issued a statement to Politico denying the claims.
Following the report, institutional support for Platner rapidly diminished. Chuck Schumer, the US Senate minority leader, and Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senate campaign committee, both called for Platner to withdraw from the race. They also announced that the committee would not provide funding for his campaign if he remained on the ballot.
Maine’s state party leadership has similarly urged Platner to step down. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who had been a vocal supporter, joined calls for his withdrawal. Additionally, Ruben Gallego and Ro Khanna, a senator and a representative respectively who had campaigned alongside Platner, rescinded their endorsements.
Platner’s Background and Senate Race Context
Graham Platner, 41, entered the Senate race in August of the previous year as a relatively unknown candidate. A Marine Corps combat veteran turned Maine oyster farmer, Platner ran a viral, anti-establishment campaign that gained significant traction. His rise in the polls contributed to the withdrawal of Janet Mills, the state governor and the party establishment’s preferred candidate.
Platner’s campaign positioned Maine as one of the Democrats’ best opportunities to flip a Senate seat in the current election cycle. The seat is currently held by Susan Collins, a five-term Republican senator. The race is considered crucial for Democrats as they seek to regain control of the Senate.
Legal Deadlines for Candidate Replacement
Under Maine state law, Platner must end his campaign by 5pm ET on Monday, 13 July, to allow Democrats to nominate an alternative Senate candidate. This deadline would provide the party with a two-week window, until 5pm ET on Monday, 27 July, to select a replacement candidate to appear on the ballot for the November general election.
