politics
Maine Senate Nominee Platner Denies Assault Allegation as Some Democrats Withdraw Endorsements
Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of forcing her to have sex in 2021. Platner denied the claim as categorically false while several Democratic figures withdrew support.
Jul 6, 3:59 PM·1m read30 sources
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A woman identified as Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of sexual assault during a 2021 incident, according to a Politico report published July 6, 2026. Platner denied the allegation in a social media video, stating that any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false. Several Democratic figures withdrew endorsements after the report.
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Representative Ro Khanna called the allegations very serious and credible and said Platner should drop out of the race. Senator Ruben Gallego and the group End Citizens United also pulled their support. Maine Democratic Party leaders issued a joint statement urging Platner to withdraw, noting that multiple women had made serious allegations.
Platner canceled scheduled town hall events. In the video he said the campaign was taking time to reflect on the best path forward. Racicot told Politico that she and Platner had been in an on-and-off relationship and that she cut off contact after the incident.
Platner defeated former governor Janet Mills in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maine in April and faces Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November election. A Fox News poll conducted June 23-27 showed Collins leading 50 percent to 47 percent.
Maine state law allows the Democratic Party to replace Platner if he withdraws by July 13, with any new nominee required by July 27.
