Calls for Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, to withdraw his candidacy intensified on July 6, 2026, after a woman accused him of sexual assault in an exclusive Politico report. Jenny Racicot, who previously dated Platner, alleged he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections.

Platner has denied the allegations. However, many top Democratic figures swiftly called on him to step down. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement describing the allegations as "incredibly disturbing" and said Platner should "immediately withdraw." They also stated the DSCC would not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.

Maine’s Democratic party leadership and Representative Ro Khanna, a former supporter, echoed calls for Platner to drop out. Khanna described the allegations as "very serious and credible" and announced he was withdrawing his endorsement. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who endorsed Platner in March, said there can be no tolerance for sexual assault and urged Platner to step aside to address the allegations outside the Senate race.

Martin Heinrich, a Democratic senator from New Mexico and former Platner supporter, also rescinded his endorsement, stating Platner should step aside. Democratic senator Ruben Gallego called the allegations "troubling and deeply serious" and said he would rescind his endorsement.

Former Democratic National Committee interim chair Donna Brazile said it was time for Platner to respond to the allegations. Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, emphasized that while Platner is entitled to due process, the allegations are credible and too serious to ignore.

Republican National Committee spokesperson Kristen Cianci condemned the allegations, calling them "horrifying" and highlighting what she described as a pattern of violent behavior.

Despite the controversy, Platner reaffirmed his commitment to defeating incumbent Senator Susan Collins, 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."

This development comes at a pivotal moment in the Maine Senate race, with campaign figures urging a refocus on the broader political struggle.

Sources