Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner announced he is taking time to reflect on the future of his campaign to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins. This decision follows a recent allegation from 41-year-old Jenny Racicot, who claims that Platner sexually assaulted her in late 2021. According to Racicot, who spoke with Politico in a July 6 report, she and Platner were involved in an on-and-off relationship for over two years between 2019 and 2021. She alleges that while intoxicated, Platner entered her home uninvited and pursued her forcibly despite her repeated requests for him to stop. Raciot told the outlet she cut off contact with him after telling him the encounter was not consensual.
Platner has firmly denied the claims, labeling them as false and troubling. In a statement provided to USA TODAY and a subsequent social media video posted on July 6, he maintained that any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue. Following the report, he canceled several campaign events scheduled for July 5 and 6. In his video statement, Platner acknowledged the political implications of the news while reaffirming his commitment to his original campaign goals, stating he is reflecting on the best path forward for the state and the movement to defeat Senator Collins.
The campaign also addressed the timing of the report, suggesting it is a desperate smear tactic occurring just one week before the ballot deadline. Platner’s team noted that he has previously faced and denied other controversies, such as claims regarding a tattoo that allegedly resembled a Nazi symbol. Despite his denial, the political fallout has been significant. Three leaders from the Maine Democratic Party issued a statement calling for Platner to withdraw his nomination, citing the seriousness of the allegations and their commitment to supporting survivors. They emphasized the need for leadership and judgment in their representation.
National Democratic figures have also distanced themselves from the candidate. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) declared the allegations “incredibly disturbing” and demanded that Platner withdraw immediately, stating they would not invest in the Maine race if he remains on the ballot. Prominent progressive Representative Ro Khanna, who had previously supported Platner, stated that the new allegations crossed a red line, while Senator Ruben Gallego rescinded his endorsement. Alex Vindman, a fellow Democratic Senate candidate, also joined the calls for Platner to step down.
Under Maine law, candidates have until 5 p.m. on July 13—the second Monday in July—to officially withdraw by notifying Maine’s secretary of state in writing. Should Platner exit the race, the Maine Democratic Party would have until July 27 to name a replacement. Political observers have pointed to Maine Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her own Senate bid in April but still captured 19.3% of the vote in last month’s primary, as a potential candidate who could be considered for the vacancy. Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
"Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward, for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner continued. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today."
The leaders said in a statement posted on social media that they stand with "women and survivors, and that principle does not bend based on party affiliation," adding that they respect the women who made the hard decision to come forward. "Speaking up is often costly."
