Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, is facing overwhelming pressure to quit after Politico reported that former girlfriend Jenny Racicot, 41, accused him of sexually assaulting her in late 2021, threatening to hand Republicans one of the most critical Senate seats in the November midterms.
Platner, a Marine veteran who won the Democratic primary on June 9 with over 70% of the vote, denied the allegation as categorically false. Within hours, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and DSCC Chair Senator Kirsten Gillibrand jointly declared the party would not invest in Maine if Platner stayed on the ballot.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Ro Khanna and former DNC Chair Donna Brazile all withdrew their endorsements. The Maine Democratic Party called on him to step aside.
Platner posted a video saying he was reflecting on the best path forward without committing to a decision.
Under Maine law he must withdraw by July 13 for the party to name a replacement by July 27.
Maine is a must-win seat for Democrats seeking the four seats needed for Senate control. Republican Senator Susan Collins is the only GOP senator from a state Kamala Harris carried in 2024.
