Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Maine, is under intense pressure from leading figures within his party to withdraw from the crucial race. This follows a sexual assault allegation made by a woman he previously dated, detailed in a series of interviews published earlier this week. Ms Jenny Racicot, 41, alleged that after an on-off relationship spanning over two years, Mr Platner, seemingly intoxicated, entered her Maine home uninvited and sexually assaulted her.
Mr Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer, has vehemently denied the accusation, labelling it as "categorically false". However, in a video statement posted on social media, he indicated he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign, acknowledging the "political reality" of the situation. His campaign has also been plagued by other controversies, including the discovery of a tattoo on his chest that reportedly resembles a Nazi symbol.
The calls for his withdrawal have come from across the Democratic party's hierarchy. Senator Bernie Sanders, a previous strong supporter, stated he had spoken with Mr Platner and "recommended that he step aside" in light of the "very serious allegations". Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement describing the allegations as "incredibly disturbing", adding that "violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable".
Crucially, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which provides significant financial backing to party candidates, has declared it "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot". This puts immense financial strain on his campaign. Several other prominent Democrats, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Elissa Slotkin, have also joined the chorus of voices urging him to drop out. Furthermore, Congressman Ro Khanna and Senators Martin Heinrich and Ruben Gallego have all withdrawn their endorsements.
The Maine Democratic Party has also publicly called for Mr Platner to step aside, citing "multiple women have made serious, credible allegations" against him. The deadline for Mr Platner to withdraw from the race and allow his name to be replaced on the state's ballot by another candidate is today, 13 July 2026. This election is considered pivotal for the Democrats' ambitions to potentially gain control of the US Senate in the upcoming November congressional elections, where Mr Platner is set to challenge the long-serving Republican incumbent, Susan Collins.