Maine Senate Candidate Faces Allegations of Sexual Assault, Loses Endorsements
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing allegations of sexual assault from a former partner. Several prominent Democratic figures have withdrawn their support.
The campaign of Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of sexual assault. A former partner claims Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex in 2021 after she told him to stop.
Platner denied the allegations on Monday but stated he was considering the future of his campaign. In the wake of the report, key Democratic figures, including Senate leaders, have rescinded their endorsements. They are calling for Platner to withdraw immediately so the party can select a new candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
The accuser, Jenny Racicot, told Politico that Platner entered her home in a drunken state and assaulted her. Racicot stated she ended contact with Platner after the incident, asserting it was non-consensual. She also expressed fear of a violent reaction from Platner, a former Marine.
Platner secured the Democratic nomination last month and was considered a significant challenger to incumbent Senator Susan Collins, who has held the seat for nearly three decades. The race is viewed as critical for control of the Senate. The allegations have prompted considerable backlash within the party, with many urging Platner's withdrawal before a July deadline.