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yesterday

Graham Platner Faces Calls to Quit After New Sexual‑Assault Allegation

Senate Democratic leaders and the DSCC have urged withdrawal while warning they will withhold funds, which forces a decision before Maine’s July 13 ballot‑replacement deadline.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at his Primary Election event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine.
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PORTLAND, MAINE - JUNE 07: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee and will face incumbent Sen. Collins (R-ME) for Maine's U.S. Senate seat in the general election. (Photo by Laura Brett/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Politico published a report on Monday in which Jenny Racicot, a woman who previously dated Platner, said he forced her to have sex in late 2021 and the outlet said it reviewed therapist notes and other corroborating materials.
  • Platner has denied the allegation as "categorically false," posted a video saying he is pausing to consider the "best path forward," and has postponed several campaign events.
  • A rapid cascade of high‑profile defections followed the report as prominent Democrats rescinded endorsements and the Maine Democratic Party formally called on Platner to withdraw.
  • Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and DSCC Chair Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement saying Platner must step aside and warning the DSCC will not invest in the race if he remains the nominee.
  • Maine law requires a nominee to withdraw by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 13 for the party to name a replacement by July 27, a deadline that would leave Democrats without an on‑ballot candidate if missed and could reshape the fight for Susan Collins's seat.