Maine Dem Senate Nominee Platner Faces New Sexual Assault Allegation, Cancels Events Amid Dropout Speculation

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner abruptly canceled multiple campaign town hall events in Maine over the July 4-6 weekend, just as a new report detailed a sexual assault allegation from a former girlfriend. The developments have intensified speculation that the 41-year-old veteran and oyster farmer may drop out of the race against longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Platner, who won the Democratic primary in June 2026, denied the latest claims in a video statement posted to X. “These allegations are troubling, serious, and false,” he said. “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” His campaign described the reporting as “coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives” timed ahead of key deadlines and stated that Platner is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for defeating Collins.

A July 6, 2026, Politico report detailed claims from Jenny Racicot, 41, who dated Platner on-and-off for more than two years beginning around 2019 after meeting on Bumble. Racicot alleged that in late 2021, Platner entered her rural Maine home uninvited while “almost blackout drunk.” She said he ignored her repeated objections, including “No, don’t,” grabbed her pelvis forcefully, and had sex with her against her will on a couch and then in a bedroom. She told him not to ejaculate inside her, but he did anyway, according to her account.

Racicot said she cut off contact afterward and sent him an Instagram message stating the encounter was non-consensual. She previously shared milder details with The New York Times, describing Platner’s behavior as “reckless” and “unsettling,” but escalated her account to Politico in three interviews. She cited a desire to have “the truth out there” amid other controversies.

Politico reported corroboration including a man Racicot dated starting in 2022 who confirmed hearing details matching her description; a friend she confided in last summer who recalled her saying Platner was “very drunk and wouldn’t take no for an answer”; 2023 Facebook messages in which Racicot warned an acquaintance about a “bad situation” with Platner when drunk; and emails between Racicot and her therapist discussing the “sa/rape” and potential media involvement. No police report was filed. Racicot told Politico she felt shock, confusion, and fear of retaliation.

The new allegation adds to a string of scandals that have shadowed Platner’s campaign since he launched it in August 2025 as a political newcomer and combat veteran. A June 2026 New York Times report detailed accounts from multiple ex-girlfriends describing “toxic,” “unsettling,” and “reckless” behavior. One woman, Lyndsey Fifield, alleged that during a 2013-2015 relationship, Platner twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom, and held the door closed from the outside while telling her to remain there until she was “calm.” Platner has denied physical misconduct, calling such claims politically motivated.

A Wall Street Journal report revealed that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, informed his campaign last year about sexually explicit text messages she had found on his phone with other women early in their marriage. Platner has also faced scrutiny over deleted Reddit posts containing offensive comments, including statements suggesting sexual assault victims should “take some responsibility” and avoid compromising situations by not drinking. He has attributed past issues to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcohol use stemming from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying he has addressed them. A tattoo on his chest resembling an SS Death’s Head (Nazi symbol) was covered up; Platner claimed he did not know its meaning at the time.

Platner canceled town halls in Augusta, Gorham, and Sanford as the Politico story broke, fueling rumors—amplified by progressive allies teasing “another scandal”—that he may exit the race. Some Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego, have withdrawn support or called for him to step aside. Groups like Reckoning Action, which had backed him, renounced their endorsement after earlier reports.

The controversies have divided Democrats in a key battleground race. Collins remains a formidable incumbent, and Platner’s troubles have complicated efforts to flip the seat. His campaign has framed the attacks as coordinated smears by establishment figures opposed to his progressive-leaning outsider bid.

Platner has repeatedly denied the most serious allegations while acknowledging personal struggles from his past. As the story continues to develop, the pressure on his candidacy—and the broader Democratic effort in Maine—intensifies ahead of the November general election.