Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation

Platner was forced out of the race amid rape and other serious sexual-abuse allegations, sending the party into turmoil.

Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign on Wednesday, after Jenny Racicot alleged he raped her.

Graham Platner, the accused rapist with a Nazi tattoo running for Senate in Maine, has reportedly told staff he will formally end his campaign on Monday-the deadline for Democrats to replace him on the ballot. Given his tendency to lie about every aspect of his life, it's anyone's guess whether Platner will actually go through with it.

Paperwork ends Democratic campaign laden with scandals, including most recently accusations of sexual assaultGraham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, officially withdrew his candidacy on Friday afternoon, ending a campaign laden with scandals.Maine’s secretary of state confirmed Platner had filed the paperwork to remove his name from the November ballot, two days after Platner publicly said he planned to exit the race. Continue reading...

Graham Platner officially withdrew from the U.S. Senate race in Maine, ending a tumultuous campaign capped by a former girlfriend's rape allegation against him that shattered the left-wing coalition that powered his run.

Democrats feel like they have a better shot now that Platner is out of the picture, Eric Garcia writes. But it’s far from a slam dunk

Maine Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate Graham Platner has formally announced his withdrawal from the race following sexual assault allegations. On Friday afternoon, Platner posted the letter he wrote to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State on X.  “In submitting this letter today, I seek to further the movement we have built together...

Graham Platner filed paperwork hours before a crucial deadline, allowing Maine Democrats to replace him after sexual misconduct allegations.

The move follows a Politico report in which a Maine woman accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in 2021, which he denies. The post JUST IN: Graham Platner Officially Withdraws From Maine Senate Race first appeared on Mediaite.

Platner posted on X a picture of the letter, which did not share any immediate details about who he hoped would succeed him to face Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in November.

Progressive Change Campaign Committee co-founder Adam Green discusses the state of the race, which has been rocked by sexual assault allegations against Graham Platner.

Democratic leadership pulled over $6.2 million in Maine ads about a week before a rape allegation surfaced against Graham Platner, raising questions.

Lyndsey Fifield, who accused Graham Platner of abuse during their relationship, spoke to The Free Press' Frannie Block after the Democrat dropped his bid for Senate in Maine. Platner has denied Fifield's claims. The Free Press and CBS News are owned by Paramount Skydance.

Some Maine voters are in limbo after Democrat Graham Platner withdrew from his Senate race following a sexual assault allegation, which he denies. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

To some of Platner’s most influential backers his swaggering, reckless, and casually brutish masculinity was understood not as a liability, but as a virtueGraham Platner was accused of rape on Monday, and it quickly became clear that he will never be a United States Senator. After days of delay, he finally suspended his campaign in a long and grievance-filled video on Wednesday night. The prospect of his victory was doubtful even before Monday, when a woman he once dated, Jenny Racicot, went on the record to Politico alleging that in 2021, a very drunk Platner let himself her house, when she had told him not to come over. Racicot says she realized he was there when she heard strange noises; then, she says he raped her, forcing intercourse without a condom while she repeatedly told him no.Politico reported that it reviewed emails between Racicot and her therapist about the alleged encounter. The outlet also interviewed a boyfriend Racicot later confided in about the alleged incident, and reviewed messages she shared with another woman warning her away from Platner, long before the start of his political career. Platner denies wrongdoing, saying: “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” But he put out a video saying that he would “reflect on the best path forward” for his campaign. Since Platner may have known about the inevitability of this accusation becoming public, one wonders if the best time for such reflection might have been several months ago, when Maine voters still had the chance to select a more worthy and more viable candidate. Continue reading...

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner told his staff he will not file paperwork to officially withdraw from his race until Monday, the last day to do so. Platner said he was dropping out on Wednesday night, days after a former girlfriend accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more from Portland.

On Wednesday evening, Graham Platner suspended his campaign as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine. He had faced a growing number of scandals and loss of support, with the final straw coming Tuesday when an ex-girlfriend claimedPlatner broke into her home and raped her. “I think as many of you know, over...

Democrat Graham Platner dropped out of the US Senate race in Maine after a rape allegation he denies led major supporters to withdraw.

Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic Senate primary in a landslide. But it all fell apart quickly after a rape allegation from a former girlfriend.

The Democratic nominee denied the accusation but said structural pressure from party leaders made continuing the race impossible

Graham Platner, the scandal-ridden populist Senate candidate from Maine, suspended his campaign Wednesday night. His announcement came two days after a rape allegation against him was made public in a Politico report, and prominent Democrats—many of whom had looked the other way at Platner’s Nazi tattoo and prior abuse allegations—one by one dropped their endorsements. […]

Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine Senate race Wednesday amid multiple sexual assault allegations, which he denies. Zak Hudak breaks down what happens next for CBS News.

IT'S OFFICIAL ... DEMOCRATS OVERTURN THE WILL OF THE VOTERS IN MAINE ... PLATNER DROPS OUT ... Graham Platner Drops Out Of Senate Race After Rape Allegation Proved To Be Final Nail In Coffin Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign Wednesday after a previous girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.

Democrat Graham Platner suspended his Senate campaign in Maine following a sexual assault allegation, which he vehemently denied. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has more on the news, and political consultant Kristian Ramos also joins to discuss.

Graham Platner continued to deny his sexual assault allegations, lambasted “larger forces” against him, and demanded that the Maine Democratic Party allow him a say in his replacement upon announcing his withdrawal from the Senate race. The angry video went against everything his closest aides advised. “Accusations are supposed to be the beginning of things, not the end,” Platner said in his 11-minute video, posted Wednesday evening on X. “This was the last week to try to get me off of the ballot. That’s why this is occurring.... [The allegations] are being used by the political establishment to put structural pressure on us.... It is a system that is built structurally to make sure that movements like ours cannot flourish. That if they begin to succeed, they can be crushed.” “They are going to take everything away from us. Those in power who have the ability to do so are using these allegations as an excuse to take away all of the things we need to run a campaign,” Platner continued in his vertically shot video. “They would rather see Susan Collins win than have me be the next senator from Maine.”  My name might be on the ballot right now, but that ballot line belongs to the people of Maine. pic.twitter.com/RKVyLU76tm— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 9, 2026His indignant rhetoric was also mirrored in his claims that national Democrats were trying to choose his successor behind “closed doors” and his insistence that they choose a fellow progressive. In reality, Maine’s Democratic Party is planning to hold a nominating convention with about 600 delegates later this month.According to Politico, several of Graham’s closest advisers begged him not to take this approach with his resignation video, urging him to center “gratitude” and to to strike a “conciliatory” tone instead. But he refused to take their advice.Platner was accused of sexual assault by Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident who dated him on and off for two years, in a Politico article published on Monday. She alleged that the former Marine drunkenly entered her home uninvited five years ago and forced himself on her even as she asked him to stop. Platner continued to profusely deny these allegations in his resignation video. Blaming the larger political establishment for your rape allegation with an 11-minute long video does not seem particularly gracious. Now Maine’s Democratic Party has until July 27 to pick a candidate—and to try and clean up Platner’s long mess of a campaign.

Accused rapist and Democratic Senate nominee for Maine, Graham Platner, suspended his campaign Wednesday night. While still denying sexual assault allegations, the progressive is at war with the “Democratic establishment,” which is teeing up to replace him on its terms. “We are suspending campaign operations,” Platner said in an 11-minute video Wednesday night. The candidate...

Maine Democrat Graham Platner announced Wednesday he was dropping his Senate bid after a new sexual assault allegation by a woman he dated five years ago. Caitlin Huey-Burns and Joel Payne have the latest.

Embattled Democratic nominee Graham Platner announced he is dropping out of the Maine’s critical senate race after being accused of sexual assault, an allegation he denies. NBC’s Hallie Jackson reports for TODAY.

The Democratic Senate nominee for Maine, Graham Platner, has withdrawn from the race following accusations of sexual assault, among other controversies. Platner continues to deny the allegations, saying he's dropping out due to losing his party's support. It's a key seat for the Democrats, who are hoping to retake the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.

Democrat Graham Platner, an oysterman running for the US Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign after he was accused of sexual assault. The announcement throws a closely watched 2026 midterms race into uncertainty.

Maine Democrats plan convention to replace scandal-hit Platner – US politics live  The GuardianDemocrat Graham Platner out of Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegation  BBCPlatner’s advisers urged him to go out with ‘gratitude.’ He led with grievance.  PoliticoGraham Platner drops Senate bid after rape allegations  Financial Times‘A Slow-Rolling Disaster’: Inside the Implosion of the Platner Campaign  The New York Times

Graham Platner denies the rape claim but suspends his campaign, leaving Maine Democrats with days to find a replacement to challenge Susan Collins.

Democrat Graham Platner plans to withdraw from the US Senate race in Maine after a series of scandals including a woman accusing him of sexual assault.

US democrat Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign amid sexual assault allegation

Graham Platner suspended his US Senate campaign in Maine following a sexual assault allegation that caused his support from fellow Democrats to collapse. His exit throws a crucial race for the party into turmoil. (Source: Bloomberg)

Democrat Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine on Wednesday promised to formally withdraw from the race, after a string of controversies including an accusation of sexual assault plunged one of the most competitive races in the 2026 midterm elections into turmoil. The suspension by the former U.S. Marine, announced in a video posted on social media, is...

Graham Platner, a scandal-plagued Democratic Senate nominee whose insurgent rise had drawn comparisons to Donald Trump, ended his campaign on Wednesday after a rape allegation threatened to derail one of his party’s best chances of flipping a Republican-held seat. Platner, a Marine veteran, oysterman and political newcomer, won last month’s Democratic primary in the northeastern state of Maine to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in November’s midterm elections. His withdrawal gives Maine...

Democrat Graham Platner’s decision came after a woman told CNN and Politico he raped her while he was heavily intoxicated nearly five years ago when they were in a casual dating relationship – an allegation Platner denies.

Graham Platner's Platner's disastrous candidacy exposes rifts that could dampen Democrats' Senate hopes  BBCDemocrat Graham Platner out of Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegation  BBCMaine contenders: the Democrats who could replace Graham Platner  The GuardianGraham Platner drops Senate bid after rape allegations  Financial TimesEx-girlfriend of Graham Platner says he removed condoms without consent during sex  The Washington Post

Graham Platner's withdrawal gives Maine Democrats only days to regroup in a race central to the party's hopes of regaining control of the US Senate.

Political newcomer won last month's Democratic primary to oppose Republican Sen. Susan Collins

Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in the US state of Maine, has suspended his midterm election campaign after a string of controversies, including an accusation of sexual assault.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. He has denied all claims. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has dropped out of his race for Senate following sexual assault allegations that he continues to deny. The 41-year-old announced his decision in a social media video on Wednesday. Jessi Mitchell anchors this special report.

Graham Platner drops Senate bid after rape allegations  Financial TimesDemocrat Graham Platner out of Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegation  BBCMaine contenders: the Democrats who could replace Graham Platner  The GuardianEx-girlfriend of Graham Platner says he removed condoms without consent during sex  The Washington PostOpinion | The Democrats Can’t Go On Like This  The New York Times

Populist Democrat blames ‘corporate media system’ and the ‘political establishment’ for demise of his campaign in Maine

Platner dropped out of the competitive campaign after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.

Platner’s exit kicks off a mad dash to find a candidate to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins

Maine Democrat Senate candidate Graham Platner has ended his campaign after an accusation of sexual assault added to an avalanche of prior controversies.

The Democratic candidate who challenged incumbent Republican Susan Collins will be replaced by the state party in the coming weeks

Graham Platner suspended his U.S. Senate campaign in Maine on Wednesday, clearing the way for Democrats in that state to choose a new candidate as they seek to retake control of the chamber. “We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me,” Platner said in a video posted to social media on […]

The decision came days after a woman accused him of sexual assault, an accusation he says is "categorically false".

Democratic nominee, dogged by controversy since entering contest, says ‘for the movement to continue, it can’t be me’Woman accuses Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assaultGraham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, is suspending his campaign following sexual assault allegations.Platner announced his decision in an 11-minute video posted to social media on Wednesday evening, in which he accused the Democratic establishment and corporate media of “using these allegations to take away all of the things we need to run a campaign”. Continue reading...

Maine Democrat announced Wednesday that he's suspending his U.S. Senate campaign after being accused of assault. He continues to maintain his innocence. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Graham Platner (D) suspended his campaign on Wednesday after scores of Democrats called him to step down due to sexual assault allegations.  The post Graham Platner Suspends Maine Senate Campaign After Sexual Assault Allegations appeared first on Breitbart.

Platner's exit leaves Democrats scrambling to field a new candidate to take on Senator Susan Collins.

The Democratic candidate was running for the Senate in Maine.

Democrat Graham Platner out of Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegation  BBCGraham Platner's exit throws a must-win race for Democrats into tumult  BBC‘A Slow-Rolling Disaster’: Inside the Implosion of the Platner Campaign  The New York TimesGraham Platner ends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation  The GuardianDemocrat Graham Platner drops out of Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegation  BBC

Maine’s embattled Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner dropped out of the race on Wednesday after a former partner accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021.“We believe for the movement to continue, it can’t be me and for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations,” Platner said in a video posted to social media.My name might be on the ballot right now, but that ballot line belongs to the people of Maine. pic.twitter.com/RKVyLU76tm— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 9, 2026Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident who dated Platner on and off for two years, told Politico on Monday that the former Marine drunkenly entered her home uninvited five years ago and forced himself on her even as she asked him to stop. Platner initially denied Racicot’s allegations, and he maintained his innocence in his announcement. He called the accusations “all false” and blamed a “corporate media system and the political establishment [that] got to act as judge, jury, and executioner.”Maine’s Democratic Party now has until July 27 to pick a candidate to appear on the ballot in November’s general election.Calls for Platner’s exit had been brewing since Racicot’s announcement. Platner’s insurgent progressive populist campaign had come close to derailing on multiple occasions. Last October, Platner had to apologize for commenting on Reddit that people concerned about sexual assault had to “take some responsibility for themselves and not get so fucked up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.” Around the same time, there was the controversy around his Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, which Platner said he and other Marines had done on leave in Croatia in 2007. And less than two months ago, there was the warning his current wife gave to his Senate campaign about how he had sent sexually explicit texts to several women while they were married. Now, finally, Platner is recusing himself from this political moment. Hopefully, we’re all better off for it.

Graham Platner suspended his US Senate campaign in Maine following a sexual assault allegation that caused his support from fellow Democrats to collapse, throwing a crucial race for the party into turmoil.

Platner's campaign to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine was marked by repeated scandals. It came to a crashing halt after the allegation led top Democrats to withdraw their support.

Claims of sexual assault added to the pile of scandals dogging the oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran.

He had lost significant support and financial backing among Democrats in the wake of a POLITICO report that a woman said he forced her to have sex. He denied the claim.

His decision comes days before a key deadline, allowing Maine’s Democratic Party to select a new candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a critical contest for Senate control.

Graham Platner bowed out of the Maine Senate race, clearing the way for Democrats to install a new nominee against Sen. Susan Collins in a marquee contest that could help determine control of the Senate next year.

Graham Platner Drops Out Of Senate Race

Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign amid controversies including Reddit posts, a controversial tattoo and allegations from ex-girlfriends.

Scandal-plagued Graham Platner has suspended his Maine Senate campaign in an earthquake development for the 2026 battle for control of the upper chamber after an ex alleged he raped her five years ago.

Maine Democrats are calling on Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign ahead of a key ballot deadline. This comes after a woman Platner dated accused him of sexual assault, which he denies. Washington Post Congress reporter Alexei Koseff joins with more.

Graham Platner's Senate campaign in Maine has all but collapsed in the wake of a sexual assault allegation that he denies. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Two days after a woman accused Graham Platner of rape, he had not given up his nomination for Senate in Maine, raising worries about whether and how his party might find a replacement.

Maine Democrats are calling on Senate nominee Graham Platner to drop out of the race ahead of a key deadline after a woman accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the allegation. CBS News political reporter Zak Hudak has the latest.

Despite growing calls for Senate hopeful Graham Platner to step aside, the Maine Democrat has only denied recent abuse allegations against him. High-profile Democrats are now urging Platner to exit the race as a key election deadline looms. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Sen. John Kennedy calls Graham Platner a "predator" as sexual misconduct allegations mount and Democratic lawmakers rescind their endorsements.

Maine Democratic leaders are now turning against Senate candidate Graham Platner as more abuse allegations emerge against him. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Maine’s embattled US Senate nominee has faced calls to withdraw after a sexual assault allegation he deniesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailGraham Platner, the embattled Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, has been accused of trying to influence the process of picking his replacement amid a chorus of calls for him to withdraw from the race.Platner has publicly said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” after an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied, was published on Monday. Continue reading...

Democrats are calling for Graham Platner to drop out of the Maine Senate race after new sexual assault allegations emerged. Caitlin Huey-Burns has the latest.

Democratic support is fading for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after accusations that he sexually assaulted his former girlfriend in 2021. Democratic strategist and CBS News political contributor Joel Payne has more.

Top Democrats want the party's nominee to drop out of the U.S. Senate race in Maine. Graham Platner has been involved in controversy throughout the campaign, but a new allegation of sexual misconduct had former allies speaking up. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Democrats are floating potential replacements for Graham Platner in the wake of a sexual assault allegation, but he has yet to drop out of the Maine Senate race. Platner denies the claim. Political strategists T.W. Arrighi and Matt Bennett join with analysis.

Democrat Graham Platner is facing growing pressure to drop out of the Maine Senate race over a sexual assault allegation he denies. If Platner does decide to end his campaign, he needs to do so by July 13 or he'll remain the Democratic nominee. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports from Maine.

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing growing calls to drop out of the race after he was accused of rape. He denies the allegation. NBC News’ Ryan Nobles reports.

The list of Democrats calling for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw continues to grow a day after a woman he once dated accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the allegation and said he was reflecting on his path forward. Amna Nawaz discussed the future of the race with Steve Mistler of Maine Public Radio.

The same left-wing coalition that helped turn him into a rock star in Maine's U.S. Senate race abandoned him Tuesday in the wake of a rape allegation that has thrown into turmoil the Democratic Party's plan to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Scores of top Democrats and prominent progressive figures are grappling with credibility concerns over their embrace of alleged predator Graham Platner in his Maine Senate bid, despite glaring warning signs.

A credible allegation of rape against Graham Platner looks near certain to doom his Senate campaign, even though the Maine Democrat calls the charge “categorically untrue.” The consensus in the political world is that Platner could withdraw from the race any moment. Meanwhile, the episode is ratcheting up tensions that are already burning hot within...

Democrats are pulling their endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the claim. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania joins "The Takeout" with his reaction.

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner's support among lawmakers is vanishing in the wake of a sexual assault allegation first reported by Politico. Platner denies the claim. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Many media figures who supported Graham Platner jumped ship Monday after a rape allegation prompted his most prominent supporters in the press to call for the Dem to end his campaign.

Democrats are urging Graham Platner to drop out of Maine's Senate race over allegations that he raped a woman he dated five years ago while drunk. Platner calls the accusation "categorically false." Dan Merica, anchor of the Washington Post's "Early Brief" newsletter, joins CBS News to discuss.

"Pod Save America" hosts said the rape allegation against Graham Platner seems credible and demanded he withdraw from the Maine Senate race.

A grim-looking Maine Senate hopeful, Graham Platner, was spotted for the first time Tuesday since the bombshell rape accusations dropped against him.

Democratic nominee Graham Platner' high-profile U.S. Senate race has been thrown into chaos following a POLITICO report that he sexually assaulted a former girlfriend five years ago.

Many voters said they expected Graham Platner, the state’s Democratic nominee for Senate, to exit the race after a former girlfriend publicly accused him of sexual assault.

Maine Democrat Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign is seeking a Research Director after a new allegation surfaced that he entered a woman's home without permission and reportedly raped her. The post Graham Platner Campaign Seeking Research Director After Allegations of Rape appeared first on Breitbart.

At least three veterans organizations are calling on Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, to drop out of his race following a new allegation of sexual assault. “Veterans For Responsible Leadership is rescinding its endorsement of Graham Platner for U.S. Senate, effective immediately, following the credible sexual assault allegation reported this week by...

Graham Platner faces calls to quit the Maine Senate race amid a rape allegation, complicating Democrats' narrow path to recapturing the majority.

From a Nazi tattoo to a sexting scandal, Graham Platner's Maine Senate campaign faced mounting controversies before a rape allegation shook his allies.

Following an allegation of sexual assault, the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine is considering his future. What would his exit mean for the race, and for the broader direction of American politics?

A woman who dated Graham Platner said he sexually assaulted her, allegations that followed the stories of several other women who reported abuse at the hands of Maine’s democratic nominee for US Senate.  The woman, Maine resident Jenny Racicot, provided substantiated details of the alleged incident in a Monday Politico report.  “These allegations are troubling, […]

A growing number of Democrats are rescinding their endorsement of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a sexual assault allegation. NBC News' Melanie Zanona reports on what Platner has had to say and what could happen if he were to exit the race.

All eyes have turned to a handful of Maine Democrats who could take the mantle as Graham Platner, the party’s current Senate nominee, faces growing pressure to withdraw from the marquee race over a sexual assault allegation. Politico reported Monday that Jenny Racicot, who says she dated Platner on and off for several years, alleged that...

Platner has denied allegations of sexual assault leveled by Maine resident Jenny Racicot as calls for him to exit the pivotal race mount.

A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation on Monday, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he said in a video released on social media. Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn’t consensual. A voicemail left at a number listed for Racicot seeking comment did not receive an immediate response, but she said in a CNN interview on Monday evening that she opted not to fight back for fear of Platner, a former Marine, becoming more violent. “He violated multiple layers of consent that night,” Racicot said. Platner’s campaign did not immediately respond to an email and phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment. “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false,” Platner said in his video. Uproar in the Democratic Party Platner won the Democratic nomination last month, setting himself up to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has beaten back previous attempts to dislodge her from the seat that she’s held for nearly three decades. Although Platner has long been controversial, the sexual allegation sparked a flight away from the candidate, who canceled a handful of town hall events. The main campaign arm of Senate Democrats called on Platner to drop out and said it would spend no money on the race, which is considered critical to control of the chamber, if he is the nominee. “Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins,” Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, said in a joint statement. The Democratic National Committee sent out an email soliciting money for Senate races hours after the Politico report posted, but Maine was not one of them. Ken Martin, the party chair, said, “Maine Democrats should select a new nominee.” Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who stood by Platner even as the candidate faced previous controversies, said Monday’s allegation was enough. “I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” Khanna said. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.” Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren announced they were pulling their endorsements and called on Platner to drop out. The Democratic leaders of Maine’s legislature and top officials at the state Democratic Party did the same. “This Senate race comes at a pivotal moment in the struggle against a government, supported by Senator Collins, that serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary Maine people. It is essential that we refocus this campaign on that struggle,” party chair Charlie Dingman, vice chair Imke Schessler and executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a joint statement. Collins issued only a brief statement. “These allegations are appalling,” she said. “Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate.” State law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13. The replacement candidate must be named by July 27. The Associated Press generally does not name victims of sexual assault, but in this case Racicot spoke in an interview with Politico. A succession of campaign controversies Platner had never before held elected office, and Democratic leaders in Washington preferred Gov. Janet Mills in the primary. However, Mills, 78, dropped out as Platner, 41, consolidated support with help from progressive leaders at a time when Democratic voters have grown disenchanted with the party establishment. While some Democrats came around to support him after his commanding primary win, Platner’s controversial history had already left others openly despairing of their chances of winning the race. A veteran who also worked for a private security contractor, Platner has a chest tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, reportedly sexted with other women shortly after getting married and had a history of inflammatory comments on social media. In 2013, Platner posted on Reddit that people shouldn’t get so drunk “they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to” and that sexual assault victims should “just take some responsibility for themselves.” He’s since apologized for the post and says he no longer holds those beliefs. The New York Times also reported that Platner had volatile relationships with previous girlfriends, one of whom said an argument became physical. Platner denied the allegation. Hasan Piker, a leftist commentator and streamer who backed Platner, seemed to reverse himself Monday following the Politico report. “If new evidence presents itself, I’m going to change my perspective — it’s that simple,” Piker said during a livestream on Twitch, adding: “This is a clear-cut instance of verifiable sexual assault allegations. It’s completely irredeemable.” Our Revolution, a progressive organization founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, said Platner should withdraw because the allegations “are too serious to treat as a distraction from the campaign or the issues.” It also hinted at the potential battle over who would replace Platner. “Whoever leads this movement forward must be someone who has actually lived the fight Graham Platner ran on: a record with working people, with unions, against corporate money, already tested and trusted by the same base that delivered this result,” said a statement from Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution. Platner had pitched himself as a blue-collar oysterman and veteran who could reach disaffected voters. But as controversies mounted, some state Democrats had heartburn, embodied by Mills’ refusal to endorse Platner after she dropped out of the primary. Chatter circulated about possible replacements, including former state senator and logger Troy Jackson and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “I’ve known this has been coming,” said Marie Follayttar, a Democrat and community organizer in Maine, talking about the growing whispers inside the state’s small population that had been bracing for yet another revelation surrounding Platner. “I’ve been scared and I’ve been sick waiting.” Mike Connelly, a business owner and Democrat in Brunswick, Maine, said in an interview that he wants Platner to drop out after the latest allegations. But Connelly said he’d vote for him if he stays in. “I would vote for a comatose Democrat before I would vote for Susan Collins,” Connelly said. —Kimberlee Kruesi and Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press Jesse Bedayn, Meg Kinnard, and Ali Swenson contributed to this report.

Democrats will have fewer than three weeks to replace alleged predator Graham Platner as their Maine Senate nominee if he agrees to step aside by next Monday amid the rape accusations against him.

Key Democratic allies are pulling endorsements for Graham Platner, a Maine Senate candidate, amid sexual assault allegations that he denies. Some are encouraging him to drop out.

Democrats weigh options as controversial Senate nominee faces calls to drop out of race after sexual assault allegationUS politics live – latest updatesTop Democrats are considering their options as Graham Platner, the party’s candidate for US Senate in Maine, faces growing calls to withdraw after a sexual assault allegation.While Platner has denied the claims, first reported by Politico on Monday, they sparked a chorus of criticism. He said he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” in the wake of the story. Continue reading...

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is taking a break from his campaign after a new accusation of serious wrongdoing: sexual assault. The accuser, an ex-girlfriend named Jenny Racicot, told Politico a very damning story. She says that in late 2021, he barged into her house blackout drunk, even though she had told him via text emphatically that he...

THAT MIGHT BE A WRAP ON GRAHAM PLATNER ... POLITICO: Exclusive: Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her A woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner says he forced her to have sex with him nearly five years ago despite her repeated objections, an allegation Platner denies.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani became the latest Democratic lawmaker to say that Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee in the Maine Senate race, should drop out after a woman he dated in 2021 accused him of sexual assault. "I believe that it's time for him to drop out of the race," Mamdani said of...

Hours after Graham Platner, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, was accused of sexual assault, his party abandoned him. While Democrats claim to be taking the moral high ground, their timeline says otherwise. Monday afternoon, Politico reported another Platner scandal the political world had sensed was coming after he canceled his campaign events for...

Democratic leadership is pushing Maine's Graham Platner to remove himself from the Senate race after a former partner accused Platner of sexual assault. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has the latest details.

Graham Platner denied the allegation on Monday, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign.

Graham Platner faces rape allegation as James Talarico, Abdul El-Sayed and other Democratic Senate candidates demand he withdraw from the Maine race.

Senate hopeful Graham Platner is under increasing pressure to drop out of his race ahead of a key ballot deadline after he was accused of sexual assault. Caitlin Huey-Burns has the latest.

A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil.

Graham Platner, the Maine Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, is facing a sexual assault allegation from a woman he once dated. Platner has denied the claim. At least 13 Democrats have called for him to drop out of the race. Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.

Party leadership is pressing Maine Democrat Graham Platner to leave the Senate race following sexual assault allegations. CBS News' Fin Gómez explains what could happen if Platner drops out.

Graham Platner is facing calls to end his bid for U.S. Senate in Maine after a woman accused him of sexual assault. And, Trump made his dissatisfaction with NATO clear ahead of its summit this week.

A growing number of prominent Democrats are calling on Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner to drop out of the race following a new sexual assault allegation. The claim comes from a former romantic partner who shared details of an incident from five years ago. Platner has explicitly denied the allegations. NBC’s Ryan Nobles reports for TODAY.

Graham Platner is facing growing pressure to end his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine after Politico reported an allegation of sexual assault. Platner has denied the claim.

After Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine, was accused of rape, much of the party and several key supporters turned against him.

Graham Platner is facing calls to suspend his Maine Senate campaign amid endorsement withdrawals from Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and dozens of Democrats.

CNN reported that a woman accused him of entering her home without permission and raping her while he was intoxicated. He didn't indicate whether he was considering suspending or ending his campaign.

The allegation against Graham Platner comes at a perilous moment for Democrats, who see Maine as key to their bid to retake the Senate in November’s midterm elections.

Graham Platner, a political newcomer who won the state’s Democratic primary last month, has rejected the allegation.

John Fetterman called Graham Platner 'a trash bag' as Democrats started to distance themselves from the troubled Maine Senate candidate following a sex assault allegation.

Democrats on Monday withdrew their support for Maine candidate Graham Platner after a 41-year-old Maine woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021. While Platner has denied the allegations, he said his campaign is reflecting on the ‘best path forward.’

While embattled Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has denied the recent sexual assault allegations made against him, the prominent Democrats who pushed the accused with an alleged Nazi tattoo to win their party's nomination will be immortalized. The post Top Democrats Who Backed Graham Platner Through Controversy and Allegations appeared first on Breitbart.

Maine Democratic Party leaders on Monday called on Democrat Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign following recent sexual assault allegations, saying the accusations against him have become too serious to ignore. The post Maine Democrats Call on Graham Platner to Withdraw After Sexual Assault Allegations appeared first on Breitbart.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is postponing campaign events after a woman he dated told Politico that Platner forced her to have sex against her will. Nikole Killion reports.

Politico reports that a woman Graham Platner dated claims he forced her to have sex against her will. The Maine Democratic Senate nominee denies the allegation. Aaron Zitner, reporter and editor in The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau, joins with more.

The loss of support comes after a POLITICO report that a woman said the Maine Democratic Senate nominee sexually assaulted her in 2021. He denied the claim.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner says the allegation is "categorically false", but is considering his next steps as the report prompts several key backers to withdraw their endorsements.

The sexual assault allegations against Maine's Democratic Senate nominee are credible — and fatal to his candidacy

Maine Democrat Senate candidate Graham Platner is reportedly facing allegations that he broke into a woman's house and sexually assaulted her. The post Report: Graham Platner Accused of Breaking into Woman’s House, Sexually Assaulting Her appeared first on Breitbart.

Graham Platner, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, has been accused of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend. Platner has denied the allegations. As first reported by Politico, 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot dated Platner nearly five years ago. Over the course of three detailed interviews spanning two weeks, she detailed the 2021 alleged assault....

Democratic candidate for Senate, who has faced series of scandals, denies allegation reported by PoliticoA woman has accused Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, of sexual assault, according to an exclusive report by Politico.Jenny Racicot, 41, dated the oyster farmer former marine veteran and alleges he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections. Continue reading...

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing another accusation. Politico reports that a woman Platner dated nearly five years ago claims he forced her to have sex with him against her will.

A woman who previously dated Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a new Politico report.

Platner denies the allegations

Democratic Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner was accused of sexual assault by a woman he dated some five years ago, in a bombshell report by Politico. The post BREAKING: Graham Platner Accused of Sexual Assault In Explosive Politico Report first appeared on Mediaite.