Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 1:18 PM EDT, that he has advised Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign. This development follows a serious report published on Monday regarding allegations of sexual assault against Platner. Sanders, who has been a prominent supporter of the candidate, stated that he held a conversation with Platner to discuss the most appropriate path forward for Maine in light of these grave accusations.
The controversy emerged after Politico reported that a woman from Maine named Jenny Racicot alleged that Platner entered her residence without authorization in late 2021 while intoxicated and forced himself on her. According to Racicot, the two had previously met on a dating application in 2019 and had engaged in consensual relations prior to the night in question. While Platner has publicly dismissed the claims as categorically false, he acknowledged on Monday that he was considering his future in the race.
The call for withdrawal from Sanders, a key ally, follows a wave of other Democrats who have rescinded their endorsements of Platner since the news broke. The financial stability of the campaign has also been significantly impacted; the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm declared it would not provide investment for the race should Platner remain on the ballot. Furthermore, the Senate Majority PAC confirmed it is shifting resources away from the Maine contest, severely hindering the campaign’s viability ahead of the November election.
Platner secured the Democratic nomination last month to challenge incumbent GOP Senator Susan Collins. Under current Maine election statutes, the deadline for candidates to withdraw and be replaced is 5 p.m. on the second Monday in July. Should a withdrawal occur, state political parties are granted a two-week window to designate a new nominee.
