Democrats Claim Platner Is Interfering and Attempting to Choose His Own Successor if He Withdraws

Pressure Mounts on Graham Platner Amid Rape Allegations

Democrats are raising concerns about Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, suggesting he may be attempting to sway his successor in the event he withdraws from the race due to serious allegations against him.

Platner is under significant pressure from the Democratic Party to exit the campaign following accusations by his former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot. She claims he broke into her home at night and assaulted her in 2021. With Democrats searching for a new candidate, Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy Anderson expressed concerns that Platner’s team seems uncertain about the next steps in this situation.

“I’ve said multiple times that Graham Platner should step down so that the Democratic Party of Maine can focus on defeating him,” noted Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has been in the Senate since 1997 and is currently the only Republican representative, having won her seat in 2024.

Murphy-Anderson emphasized, “The Maine Democratic Party is working tirelessly to create a fair and transparent process for selecting candidates for the Senate,” as stated in a video released on X.

Platner’s campaign has not provided immediate comments regarding the situation.

A spokesperson for Platner made a statement to CNN, saying, “Mr. Graham would prefer to stay out of the process and let voters and volunteers decide, rather than letting political forces dictate.” The pressure for him to withdraw continues, as various Democratic senators retract their support and call for his exit from the race.

An investigative message was sent to Platner’s volunteers, asking them for input regarding the candidate and the Democratic Party. The message conveyed, “Supporters and volunteers who contributed to this movement deserve a voice in any nomination process,” suggesting that gathering feedback is crucial to maintaining enthusiasm among supporters of their policies.

In response to the allegations, Platner firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “These claims are troubling, serious, and entirely false. Any allegation of non-consensual conduct is completely untrue.” Throughout his campaign, he has faced other allegations, including reports of coercive behavior toward Racicot in June, although those did not initially include claims of rape.