politics
Democratic Senate candidate in Maine withdraws after sexual assault allegation
Graham Platner announced he will exit the U.S. Senate race in Maine following an allegation that he forced a former girlfriend to have sex in 2021. He denied the claim but said he would step aside to allow an open replacement process.
Jul 8, 10:18 PM·2m read54 sources
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Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner said Wednesday he will withdraw from the Maine race after a woman alleged he forced her to have sex despite her telling him to stop. Platner posted an 11-minute video on social media in which he called for the replacement process to be open, transparent and democratic.
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He said decisions about the race should be made by supporters rather than officials in Washington.
response The woman, identified by Politico as Jenny Racicot, told the outlet that the encounter occurred in 2021 during an on-and-off relationship. She said she ended contact afterward and described the incident as non-consensual. Platner denied the allegation as categorically false in a video released after the report.
He said he would take time to reflect on the best path forward for the campaign. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said he spoke with Platner and recommended that he step aside in light of the allegations.
party reaction Platner won the Democratic nomination on June 9 in Blue Hill, Maine. Progressive leaders had backed him over Gov. Janet Mills, who dropped out of the race in late April. After the latest allegation, Rep. Ro Khanna of California withdrew his endorsement, saying sexual assault or violence against women is a red line.
The state Democratic Party held an emergency meeting Wednesday and approved plans for a nominating convention if Platner withdrew. m. on July 13. >"I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible.
" — Rep. Ro Khanna, Monday (CNN interview) Maine is viewed by Democrats as a key state in their effort to gain Senate seats in the midterm elections.
