Graham Platner Withdraws from Maine Senate Race Following Sexual Assault Allegation (Video)

Democratic nominee Graham Platner announced Wednesday that he intends to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after a woman accused him of sexual assault in 2021. The move ends an insurgent campaign that overcame earlier controversies but collapsed amid the new allegation and the withdrawal of key Democratic support.

Platner, a 41-year-old military veteran and oyster farmer who had never held elected office, won the Democratic primary on June 9 after positioning himself as a combative alternative to establishment favorite Gov. Janet Mills. His campaign emphasized economic inequality and redemption from past mistakes. However, reports of a Nazi symbol tattoo on his chest—which he later covered—along with old online comments appearing to dismiss sexual assault, endorse political violence, and use anti-gay slurs had already raised concerns among party leaders about his vetting and judgment.

The campaign's unraveling accelerated after Politico reported that Jenny Racicot, who had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, alleged he entered her home uninvited while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her objections. Racicot described the encounter as non-consensual and told CNN it met the definition of rape. She said she ended contact with him afterward. Platner denied the claim as "categorically false" in a video posted to social media, stating he would reflect on the best path forward for the campaign while emphasizing that his decision to withdraw was not an admission of guilt.

High-profile backers quickly distanced themselves. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., recommended Platner step aside after discussing the allegations. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., withdrew his endorsement, calling sexual assault or violence against women a "red line." Other Democratic figures also pulled support. Platner criticized Washington leaders in his announcement, urging that decisions reflect the will of those who supported his campaign rather than "people in places of political power."

Maine Democrats moved quickly to prepare a replacement. State party officials held an emergency meeting Wednesday and approved plans for a nominating convention. Under state law, a candidate who won the primary may withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13, with a replacement nominee required by July 27. The seat, currently held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins, is viewed as a key battleground in Democrats' effort to gain the four seats needed for Senate majority control.

Platner's exit follows months of scrutiny over his past, including the tattoo controversy and social media history. Supporters had initially overlooked those issues in favor of his populist message and willingness to engage voters directly through town halls and local events. The sexual assault allegation proved insurmountable, fracturing alliances that had propelled his primary victory.

The development leaves Democrats scrambling in a competitive midterm environment, with the party now tasked with selecting a new nominee capable of challenging Collins in November. Platner had framed his candidacy around accountability and personal growth, themes that resonated with voters seeking change but ultimately could not overcome the latest controversy.