Representative Ro Khanna from California and Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona have retracted their support for Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maine, following serious allegations of him breaking into homes and assaulting women.
Khanna expressed his stance clearly, stating that “sexual assault and violence against women is a red line that cannot be crossed.” He deemed the allegations as serious and credible, urging Platner to withdraw from his candidacy. In his view, support for Platner was no longer possible.
Gallego also weighed in, calling the accusations against Platner not just alarming but extremely serious, urging for action regarding his candidacy.
After the support withdrawal, the website Politico reported details from Jenny Racicot, 41, who stated that Platner, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship, came to her home uninvited late one night in 2021. She alleged that he was heavily intoxicated and forced himself on her despite her pleas to stop.
Racicot recounted a traumatic experience, saying she felt as if she no longer had a choice. “He was very forceful,” she said, recalling the unsettling moment.
U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner speaks at a campaign event in Bar Harbor, Maine, Friday, June 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bucati)
Racicot is one of several women who shared their experiences about Platner’s behavior in past relationships. She mentioned that he had appeared at her residence after she specifically told him not to.
Another woman, Lindsey Fifield, who had a relationship with Platner from 2013 to 2015, noted that while he did not physically abuse her, there was a troubling incident where he forcibly maneuvered her during an argument.
In a recent post, Platner attempted to address the situation by asserting that any claims of non-consensual activity are utterly false. He expressed a need to directly respond to what he described as serious yet untrue allegations against him.
He added, “In light of the political climate that might sway from inaccurate reporting, we’re taking a moment to consider the best way forward, for the people and the state I love and in the pursuit of our goals.”
