The recent rape allegation against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has triggered significant backlash from his supporters, leading to calls for immediate endorsement of an alternative candidate from the Democratic Party.
This wave of dissent followed accusations made by Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old from Maine, who claimed that Platner raped her nearly five years ago. According to her account, Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated and forced himself on her despite her repeated objections.
At the time of the incident, Racicot had been seeing Platner casually. She mentioned that she ended the relationship after he compelled her into an unprotected sexual encounter, stating she felt, “This is not my choice anymore.” She characterized the event as the “dictionary definition” of rape in her conversation with CNN.
In response, Platner immediately denied these allegations, expressing that he was taking time to consider his next steps regarding the campaign.
Most Democrats were quick to demand that Platner withdraw, with many declaring their stance shortly after the news broke. This group included prominent figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who retracted her support, asserting that “sexual assault cannot be tolerated.” She suggested that Platner should step down to address the serious allegations outside of his campaign.
Other allies, like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), also withdrew their support, urging Platner to exit the race in light of the allegations.
While progressive lawmakers had previously defended Platner after allegations of abuse surfaced from an ex-girlfriend, they began to distance themselves following this latest accusation. Khanna, who had recently campaigned alongside Platner, stated that he believed the Senate candidate deserved a chance for redemption.
Reaction from establishment Democrats was swift, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senate Campaign Chair Kirsten Gillibrand publicly advocating for Platner to halt his campaign to allow time for the party to propose a new candidate.
Democratic leaders had only recently rallied behind Platner after he secured the party’s nomination in June, following the withdrawal of Gov. Janet Mills due to fundraising issues. Both Schumer and Gillibrand indicated that the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee would not invest in the Maine race if Platner remained on the ballot.
The pressure on Platner comes as Democrats approach a deadline to submit a replacement candidate. Under Maine law, he can withdraw and provide a replacement on the ballot until July 13, with the state party having until July 27 to propose a new nominee.
Democrats view the Maine Senate race as a critical opportunity to reclaim a majority in the upcoming midterm elections, but any disruption to Platner’s campaign may jeopardize those plans.
Past controversies surrounding Platner have also drawn attention, including connections to tattoos associated with former Nazis and allegations of infidelity, which have created divisions within the party as they aim to unseat long-time senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). Collins expressed dismay over the rape accusations but refrained from stating whether Platner should continue in the race.
Various Democratic senators, many previously aligned with Platner, have now urged him to withdraw his candidacy. Some Maine Democrats, including Rep. Chellie Pingree and her daughter, have also called for his resignation. Figures such as Nirav Shah and state Sen. Troy Jackson, once potential candidates to take Platner’s place, echoed the call for him to step back.
Leftist groups that had previously endorsed Platner have reevaluated their support. Tiffany Mueller, president of the Democratic group End Citizens United, described the allegations as “deeply disturbing and disqualifying,” emphasizing that such conduct does not align with their expectations of candidates.
Even former progressive allies, like Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), had not made a statement on the allegations as late as Monday night. Meanwhile, far-left streamer Hasan Piker voiced his concerns, saying the allegations were highly credible and described the situation as “beyond red flag.”
