Democrat Graham Platner Drops Out of Maine Senate Race
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner announced that he is withdrawing from Maine’s Senate race after facing allegations of sexual assault, a move that allows the Maine Democratic Party to begin selecting a replacement nominee before the state’s filing deadline.
In an 11-minute video shared on social media, Platner said the process to choose the next Democratic nominee should be “open, transparent and democratic,” emphasizing that the decision should reflect the wishes of Maine voters rather than national political leaders.
“People in D.C. need to stay in D.C.,” Platner said, criticizing outside political influence. “Decisions should not be made by people in places of political power.”
While appearing emotional during the video, Platner stressed that his decision to end his campaign should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
Platner secured the Democratic nomination last month and was set to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who has represented Maine in the U.S. Senate for nearly 30 years.
However, his campaign was thrown into turmoil after a report published Monday alleged that Platner sexually assaulted a former partner.
According to the report, Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident who previously dated Platner, accused him of entering her home while intoxicated in 2021 and forcing her to have sex against her will despite her objections. Racicot said she ended all contact with Platner after the incident and told him the encounter was not consensual.
Platner has denied the allegation. Earlier this week, he acknowledged the political impact of the accusation and said he was evaluating the future of his campaign.
“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will create, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” Platner said in a previous video statement.
The allegations quickly prompted leading Democratic figures to call for his withdrawal. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, both early supporters of Platner’s campaign, publicly urged him to step aside so another Democrat could challenge Sen. Susan Collins in November.
Maine election law gave Platner until 5 p.m. on July 13 to officially withdraw in order for the Democratic Party to replace him on the general election ballot. The party must select a new nominee by July 27.
In anticipation of a vacancy, the Maine Democratic Party held an emergency meeting Wednesday, where more than 100 state committee members approved plans to hold a nominating convention if necessary.
Party officials also clarified that Platner will have no formal role in choosing his successor, stating that state law does not allow an individual campaign to determine the party’s replacement nominee.