Maine Democratic Senate Nominee Faces Assault Allegation, Party Prepares Replacement Process

A Democratic nominee in the Maine U.S. Senate race has not withdrawn after a sexual assault allegation reported Monday by Politico. The state party is already preparing a succession process ahead of the July 13 withdrawal deadline. Jenny Racicot told Politico that the nominee entered her home in 2021 while drunk and forced her to have sex after she told him to stop.

She said in a CNN interview that she did not fight back out of fear he would become more violent. The nominee has denied all allegations.

A senator recommended that the nominee step aside.

Our Revolution withdrew its endorsement and said it is rallying behind a candidate who filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to launch a Senate exploratory committee. The Maine Democratic Party is developing an open process but will not release details until the nominee withdraws.

Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said the nominee’s team has tried to influence the process. A campaign official said the campaign has only sought information and that voters and volunteers should have a role.

A candidate said Tuesday he is evaluating whether to enter the race and has discussed an open process with party officials. Shenna Bellows said she will seriously consider running. Jordan Wood posted that he is continuing conversations with voters. Maine law gives the state party authority to choose a replacement, which must be named by July 27.

There is no mechanism to remove the nominee from the ballot.