Platner Withdraws from Maine Senate Race

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner suspended his campaign on Wednesday following sexual assault allegations from former girlfriend Jenny Racicot. According to multiple reports, Racicot claimed that Platner forced her to have sex with him in 2021.

The Maine Democratic Party has formally requested that Platner withdraw from the race by July 13, stating their support for women and survivors regardless of political affiliation. The party's executive director, Devon Murphy-Anderson, released a video saying the party is developing an 'open, inclusive, transparent and fair' process but won't disclose details until Platner withdraws.

Platner denied the allegations in a nearly 12-minute-long video statement posted to social media, calling them 'categorically false'. He acknowledged that his campaign is reflecting on the best path forward but did not indicate whether he would suspend or drop out of the race. According to Maine state law, Platner can be replaced as the nominee if he withdraws by July 13.

The sexual assault allegations have led several prominent supporters to call on him to end his campaign. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California pulled his endorsement and stated that 'sexual assault or violence against women is a red line.' Similarly, Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona rescinded his endorsement, calling the latest allegations 'troubling and deeply serious'. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also called on Platner to exit the race.

The DSCC stated it will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot. Racicot provided screenshots from Facebook messages and emails between her and her therapist to corroborate her claim, as reported by multiple outlets.

If Platner drops out by July 13, state law allows the Democratic Party to name a replacement by July 27. Potential replacements include former state health director Patty Shah, who developed a following during the COVID-19 pandemic and is known for his support of 'Medicare For All'. Another candidate is ex-state Senate president Troy Jackson, endorsed by Platner and Sen. Bernie Sanders, but with a controversial past on social issues. Additionally, current Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who gained national attention for her ruling on Trump's ballot eligibility, could be considered.

Platner had never before held elected office, and Democratic leaders in Washington preferred Gov. Janet Mills in the primary. However, Mills, 78, dropped out as Platner, 41, consolidated support with help from progressive leaders at a time when Democratic voters have grown disenchanted with the party establishment.

While some Democrats came around to support him after his commanding primary win, Platner's controversial history had already left others openly despairing of their chances of winning the race. A veteran who also worked for a private security contractor, Platner has a chest tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, reportedly sexted with other women shortly after getting married and had a history of inflammatory comments on social media.

In 2013, Platner posted on Reddit that people shouldn't get so drunk 'they wind up having sex with someone they don't mean to' and that sexual assault victims should 'just take some responsibility for themselves.' He's since apologized for the post and says he no longer holds those beliefs.

The New York Times also reported that Platner had volatile relationships with previous girlfriends, one of whom said an argument became physical. Platner denied the allegation.