Bernie Sanders and Other Democrats Urge Graham Platner to Withdraw; Platner Denies Sexual-Assault Allegation

Bernie Sanders called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine U.S. Senate race on July 7, 2026, citing very serious allegations of sexual assault. Jenny Racicot told Politico that Platner entered her home in late 2021 and forced himself on her despite her repeated refusals.

The two met on Bumble in 2019 and maintained an on-again, off-again relationship until the alleged incident. Racicot described Platner as very drunk and said he would not take no for an answer during the encounter. Platner denied the allegation.

He stated that the accusations are false and that any claim of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue. Ro Khanna called for Platner to drop out of the race following the Politico report. Ruben Gallego withdrew his endorsement.

Hakeem Jeffries, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urged Platner to withdraw immediately. Racicot said she had previously kept silent about the alleged incident because of conflicting feelings about Platner's politics. She provided emails with a therapist and statements from a subsequent partner that corroborated her account to Politico.

Racicot did not file a police report. Platner faces a July 13, 2026 deadline to withdraw for Democrats to replace him before the November election. Maine Democrats could choose another candidate by July 27, 2026 if he withdraws by the July 13 deadline.