Senate Democrats, led by Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), have called on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee. In a joint statement issued Monday, they described the allegations against Platner as "incredibly disturbing" and stated that "violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable."

The statement urged Platner to step aside immediately to allow Maine Democrats to select a new candidate capable of defeating the incumbent senator. Schumer and Gillibrand also declared that the Senate Democrats campaign arm "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot."

The allegations stem from an incident in 2021, as recounted by Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident and Platner's former girlfriend. Racicot told Politico that Platner allegedly sexually assaulted her while he was heavily intoxicated. The outlet reviewed emails Racicot exchanged with her therapist and spoke with an acquaintance who had previously warned her against becoming involved with Platner.

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Racicot said she wanted to reclaim her life after remaining silent since 2021. She rejected suggestions that her revelations were politically motivated, affirming her support for Platner’s politics and stating, "we need somebody with those political stances and who are willing to do the work."

Other Democratic candidates and lawmakers have also called for Platner to drop out. Left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, known for endorsing progressive candidates nationwide, expressed belief in Racicot’s allegations and described the situation as "curtains" for Platner’s campaign. However, Piker said he would be "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for Maine and the goal of defeating Sen. Susan Collins.

Sources