Democratic Leaders Urge Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner to Withdraw Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Graham Platton, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, faces mounting pressure from senior party members to leave the race after a former partner alleged sexual assault. Platton called the accusation "categorically false" and said he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for the campaign.

"I have spoken with Graham about the best path forward for Maine," Senator Bernie Sanders, a leading supporter, said in a statement.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced it would withhold financial support if Platton remains on the ballot. Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Elissa Slotkin joined calls for his withdrawal, and three endorsers — Representative Ro Khanna, Senators Martin Heinrich and Ruben Gallego — have rescinded their support.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani added that it is "time for him to drop out of the race." The Maine Democratic Party issued a statement urging Platton to step aside, noting the seriousness of the allegations.

The allegations stem from interviews with Politico, in which 41-year-old Jenny Racicot said Platton entered her home while intoxicated and assaulted her after an on-and-off relationship lasting more than two years. Racicot said she previously declined to go public to avoid being labeled a rape victim.

Platton, a former combat Marine and oyster farmer, also addressed unrelated controversies, including a tattoo that resembles a Nazi-era symbol, which he said was a "Totenkopf" acquired with fellow Marines in 2007, and past marital issues, describing his marriage as "faithful and happy" after early mistakes.

If Platton withdraws by July 13, state officials can remove his name from the ballot and replace him with another candidate, a step Democrats say is crucial for their chances to flip the Senate in the upcoming midterms.