Pressure is rapidly building on Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign after a former partner accused him of sexual assault, an allegation he has categorically denied.
Senate Democratic leaders, Maine party officials and several politicians who previously supported Platner have called on him to withdraw. The growing revolt threatens to derail what Democrats had viewed as one of their most important opportunities to defeat a Republican incumbent and improve their chances of regaining control of the U.S. Senate.
The allegation was first reported by Politico and was later detailed in interviews with The Washington Post. Jenny Racicot, who said she previously had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, alleged that he entered her Maine home while intoxicated in late 2021 and forced her to have sex despite her repeatedly objecting.
Platner said the allegation was “serious” but false, adding that any claim of nonconsensual behavior was untrue. In a video statement, he said his campaign was taking time to consider the best path forward for Maine, his supporters and the effort to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
TRENDING TODAY
The political response has been swift. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Kirsten Gillibrand urged Platner to withdraw immediately. The DSCC also warned that it would not invest in the Maine race if he remains the nominee.
The Maine Democratic Party issued its own call for Platner to leave the race. Rep. Ro Khanna withdrew his endorsement, while Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Martin Heinrich and Ruben Gallego were among the other Democrats who said he should step aside.
Bernie Sanders, previously Platner’s most important national progressive supporter, joined those calls on Tuesday. Sanders said he had spoken with Platner and recommended that he end his campaign because of the seriousness of the allegation.
Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer, won the Democratic nomination after building a populist campaign focused on working-class voters, healthcare and opposition to powerful corporate interests. His victory had energized progressive activists who believed he could present a strong contrast with Collins.
However, his campaign had already faced scrutiny over earlier social media posts, personal conduct allegations and a tattoo connected by critics to Nazi imagery. Platner has disputed or apologized for aspects of those previous controversies, but the latest allegation has created a much deeper crisis for his candidacy.
The timing is particularly important because Maine law gives the party only a limited opportunity to replace him through the standard withdrawal process. Platner must withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13 for Democratic officials to nominate a replacement under the applicable timetable. The party would then have until July 27 to select another candidate.
Possible replacements are already beginning to emerge. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has filed paperwork allowing him to explore a campaign, while former Maine public-health official Nirav Shah has called for an open selection process that includes debates and public meetings.
For Democratic voters, the situation presents a difficult choice. Platner won the primary and retains supporters who argue that allegations should not automatically determine a candidate’s future without a legal process. But party leaders appear increasingly convinced that continuing with his candidacy could make the race unwinnable and damage Democrats in other competitive contests.
Collins described the allegation as appalling but said it was not her role to decide whom Democrats should nominate. Her campaign now enters the next phase of the race with a major financial and organizational advantage while Democrats confront uncertainty over whether they will have a replacement candidate.
The broader political consequences could extend beyond Maine. Republicans currently hold a Senate majority, meaning Democrats have little room for error in states where they hope to gain seats. Losing a competitive opportunity in Maine would make their path to Senate control significantly more difficult.
Why It Matters
The controversy matters because Maine could help determine which party controls the Senate. Platner’s continued presence on the ballot could cost Democrats campaign funding, endorsements and support from voters who consider the allegation disqualifying. Replacing him, however, would require party officials to choose a new nominee without another statewide primary, potentially creating additional division among Democratic voters.
What Comes Next
Platner must decide whether to continue his campaign or withdraw before Maine’s July 13 deadline. If he leaves, state Democratic officials will have two weeks to select a replacement nominee. If he remains, national Democratic organizations may withhold money and organizational support, leaving his campaign to face Collins with sharply reduced party backing.
Bernie Sanders joined other Democratic figures calling on Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race.
BREAKING: Bernie Sanders calls on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to “step aside” from the race following a recent rape allegation against the controversial Democrat. pic.twitter.com/2kmh4ahunM
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 7, 2026
