Democrats Press Graham Platner To Quit Maine Senate Race After Jenny Racicot Sexual Assault Accusation

Democratic pressure intensified on Maine U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner after a woman he previously dated, Jenny Racicot, accused him of sexual assault in interviews with Politico published on Monday.

Platner denied the allegation and said in a video statement, "We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" in the race against incumbent Republican Susan Collins.

ABC News

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said in a joint statement that "The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable."

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said it "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot," as the race is described as pivotal to Democrats' chances of gaining control of the Senate.

Under Maine election law, Platner had to withdraw by 5 p.m. Monday for Democrats to name a replacement by July 27, according to the Portland Press Herald.

As the calls grew, Rep. Ro Khanna withdrew his endorsement, writing, "Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement."

Senator Bernie Sanders also urged Platner to step aside, saying, "In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside."

AP News

The Maine Democratic Party leadership said in a statement that "Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate."

In Maine, voters described the allegation as crossing a personal line, with Michael Bacon, 79, of Westbrook saying, "This certainly crosses the red line for me."

Another voter, 47-year-old Natalie Krueger of Sabattus, said, "It actually makes me sick to my stomach," as the Portland Press Herald described a rapid shift among supporters after the Politico report.

The dispute over whether Platner remains on the ballot is tied directly to the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, with Democracy Now! saying, "The outcome of the election could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate."

Democracy Now! also quoted Amy Fried, professor emerita of political science at the University of Maine, saying, "There’s no way to force Platner off the ballot; he has to make the decision."

Fried said Platner would have to drop out by Monday, and then "there’s two weeks for the Maine Democratic Party to pick someone else," as the party prepares for a replacement process.

The BBC reported that Platner is set to take on incumbent senator Susan Collins in November's congressional elections, with the race framed as one of several pivotal to Democrats' Senate control bid.

In the same coverage, the BBC said Platner must withdraw by 13 July for his name to be removed from the state's ballot and be replaced by another candidate, underscoring the time pressure around the nomination decision.