Graham Platner Denies Jenny Racicot Sexual Assault Allegation in Maine Senate Race

A woman identified as Jenny Racicot, 41, alleged that Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner sexually assaulted her in late 2021, while Platner denied the claim.

“Skip to main content 30 mins ago - Politics & Policy Schumer joins calls for Platner's withdrawal as Dem support collapses Hans Nichols, Holly Otterbein email (opens in new window) sms (opens in new window) facebook (opens in new window) twitter (opens in new window) linkedin (opens in new window) bluesky (opens in new window) Add Axios as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google”

Axios

Racicot told Politico that Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated and forcibly pursued her after she told him to stop, and she said she cut off contact afterward.

Bangor Daily News

Platner said in a video, “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” as he weighed his next steps.

The dispute is playing out in a race to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and the allegation was first reported by Politico, according to the accounts in the coverage.

Following Politico’s report, prominent Democrats and groups began pulling support, including Rep. Ro Khanna, who said, “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.”

Sen. Ruben Gallego also rescinded his endorsement, calling the allegations “troubling and deeply serious,” as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said it would not invest if Platner remained on the ballot.

CNBC

The DSCC and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a joint statement that “Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate,” and that “The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”

Axios described the situation as chaos in a race that Schumer said was his “worst nightmare,” while noting that “only Platner can make that decision.”

Under Maine law, Platner can withdraw by July 13, and if he does, the state party would have two weeks to choose a replacement nominee by July 27, according to the coverage.

“Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said Monday that he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign after a woman accused the Democratic nominee of sexually assaulting her in 2021 — but calls for Platner to exit the race quickly grew”

CNBC

The Maine Democratic Party called for Platner to withdraw, saying “multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner,” and that “Today’s statements take those allegations even further.”

Hannah Pingree, the Democratic nominee for Governor of Maine, said “Graham Platner should exit the race immediately,” arguing that “no party should stand behind a candidate facing allegations of assault.”

With the race framed as central to Democrats’ path to winning back the Senate, the dispute leaves Maine Democrats facing a rapid decision on whether to replace a nominee before the ballot deadline while Susan Collins remains the Republican incumbent.