Key Democratic figures call on Graham Platner to 'immediately' withdraw from Senate race
Maine’s Democratic party leadership has urged candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the Senate race following allegations that have eroded support from his prominent backers.
According to a report by Politico, Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident and former partner of Platner, accused him of forcing her to have sex in late 2021. Platner, a Marine veteran whose insurgent political rise has drawn comparisons to former President Donald Trump, denied the allegation.
In a video message posted to X after the report's publication, Platner described the allegations as
“troubling, serious and false.”
Despite his denial, several leading Democrats have called for Platner to step down. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement urging Platner to
“immediately withdraw.”
California Representative Ro Khanna, who had been one of Platner’s most vocal supporters, also rescinded his endorsement, stating on X,
“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.”
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who endorsed Platner in March, emphasized zero tolerance for sexual assault in a statement:
“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.”
The allegations emerge at a critical juncture for Democrats, who regard Maine as a pivotal battleground in their effort to reclaim control of the Senate in the November midterm elections.
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Platner responds to allegations
In a statement released on Monday following the Politico report, Platner reiterated that the accusations are false but acknowledged the political implications. He said,
“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 expressed gratitude to voters who supported his nomination as a political newcomer, stating,
“You never turned your back on me, and I will not turn my back on you now. 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 Susan Collins commented on social media,
“These allegations are appalling. Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate.”
The Politico report detailed that Jenny Racicot, who previously dated Platner, alleged he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections in late 2021. Platner denied the claims in a statement to Politico, saying,
“These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.”
Racicot described an on-and-off relationship with Platner spanning more than two years. She alleged that an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her, after which she ended contact. The report included corroborating accounts from a man Racicot confided in, recent therapist emails, and messages warning an acquaintance about Platner in 2023.
Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine veteran who secured the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins, has faced multiple controversies prior to this week.
He has positioned himself as a populist with an anti-oligarchy message. Before entering politics, Platner posted a tattoo on social media that has since been covered up; he stated he did not initially understand its meaning.
