Mounting Pressure to Withdraw
Top Democratic leaders are intensifying pressure on Graham Platner, the party’s U.S. Senate candidate in Maine, to withdraw from the race following a new, detailed allegation of sexual assault. The accusation, brought forward by a woman who previously dated Platner, was published in a series of interviews with Politico on Monday.
Jenny Racicot, 41, alleges that Platner entered her home in Maine uninvited while intoxicated in 2021 and sexually assaulted her. While Platner has categorically denied the allegation, labeling it “false” in a video statement, the political fallout has been swift. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has confirmed it will withhold financial investment in the Maine race if Platner remains on the ballot.
Party Exodus
The list of prominent Democrats calling for Platner’s departure continues to grow. U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Kirsten Gillibrand have all publicly advised the candidate to step aside. Several former supporters, including Congressman Ro Khanna and Senators Martin Heinrich and Ruben Gallego, have formally rescinded their endorsements, citing the severity and credibility of the allegations.
The Maine Democratic Party has also joined the call for his withdrawal, with leadership stating that the recent reports take existing concerns about the candidate’s history “even further.” Platner, a former combat marine and oyster farmer, faces a tight deadline: he must withdraw by July 13 for his name to be removed from the ballot, allowing the party to nominate a replacement.
A Campaign Beset by Controversy
This latest allegation adds to a series of scandals that have plagued Platner’s candidacy. Previously, he faced public backlash over a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he claimed was a youthful mistake, as well as unearthed social media comments in which he suggested sexual assault victims should take responsibility for their intoxication. He also admitted to sending sexually explicit texts during his marriage.
Platner is currently set to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. As of Tuesday, he has postponed several campaign events while stating he is reflecting on the “best path forward” for his campaign and the movement to defeat Collins.