Calls for Graham Platner to Withdraw Intensify
Calls for Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, to withdraw his candidacy intensified on Monday following a sexual assault allegation reported by Politico.
Platner has denied the accusation, but numerous prominent Democratic figures swiftly urged the candidate to step down amid the controversy.
Democratic Leaders Demand Immediate Withdrawal
In a joint statement, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) chair Kirsten Gillibrand declared that Platner should "immediately withdraw" from the race.
"The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable," they said. "The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot."
Maine’s Democratic Party leadership echoed the call for Platner to exit the race. Additionally, Ro Khanna, a California representative and one of Platner’s most vocal supporters, also rescinded his endorsement and urged Platner to drop out.
"I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line," Khanna wrote on X. "These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement."
Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who endorsed Platner in March, released a statement emphasizing zero tolerance for sexual assault.
"There can be no tolerance for sexual assault," Warren said. "With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race."
Other Democratic senators also withdrew support. Ruben Gallego of Arizona stated on X:
"The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious. I am rescinding my endorsement."
Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, who had supported Platner during the primary, said he could "no longer support" the candidacy and added:
"He should step aside."
Details of the Allegation
The Politico report published Monday detailed accusations by Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated Platner. Racicot alleges that Platner forced her to have sex despite repeated objections.
Platner issued a statement to Politico denying the allegations.
"These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue," he said.
Racicot described an on-and-off relationship with Platner lasting over two years. She alleges that in late 2021, an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her. Following the incident, Racicot said she ended contact with Platner.
The report included corroborating accounts from a man Racicot confided in, recent therapist emails, and messages in which she warned an acquaintance about Platner in 2023.
Platner’s Background and Previous Controversies
Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine veteran, secured the Democratic nomination and is set to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election. Prior to this week, Platner had been involved in several scandals.
He has positioned himself as a populist everyman with an anti-oligarchy message. Before entering politics, Platner made appearances on reality television and has a tattoo that has since been covered up. He has stated he did not initially understand the tattoo's meaning.
Platner’s Response and Political Implications
In a statement released Monday after the Politico report, Platner reiterated his denial of the accusations but acknowledged the political consequences.
"We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner said.
He expressed gratitude to voters who supported him as a political newcomer.
"You never turned your back on me, and I will not turn my back on you now," he said. "Every one of you deserves to see that vision come to fruition, and see Susan Collins defeated, and we will use every tool at our disposal to do so. As Maine goes, so goes the nation."
Senator Collins commented on social media:
"These allegations are appalling. Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate."
Additional Context from Other Reports
Racicot was among several women who spoke to The New York Times in June about Platner’s "unsettling" behavior with women he dated.
She told Politico she hesitated to go public due to a "huge moral conflict" between supporting Platner’s politics and not supporting him personally. She also refrained from sharing the sexual assault claims with The New York Times to avoid being identified as a rape victim.
According to Racicot, she had consensual relations with Platner until a night in 2021 when he allegedly entered her unlocked home and forced himself on her despite her repeated requests to stop. She believed he was "almost blackout drunk" at the time.
Politico reported that Racicot accused Platner of having sex with her against her will and ejaculating inside her after she told him not to. No police report was filed at the time.
Campaign Response and Allegations of Political Motive
Platner’s campaign issued a statement asserting the candidate "vigorously denies" the claims.
"These allegations are very serious and Graham vigorously denies them," the statement said. "They are also coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives. For a year, opponents of this campaign have thrown everything they can at Graham – calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of it has been true and this is no different.
"It is not a coincidence that this story comes a week before the ballot deadline, just as the previous false allegations came a week before the primary. Graham began this campaign to fight for a Maine where everyone is treated with dignity and where Mainers are put first, and no amount of desperate smears will stop this movement from seeing that vision through."
Potential Replacement Timeline
Should the Democratic Party decide to replace Platner as their nominee in the Maine Senate race, state law requires Platner to withdraw by 5 p.m. ET on July 13. The party would then have a two-week window, until July 27, to select a replacement candidate.
