Maine Senate Candidate Platner Denies Sexual Assault, Reassesses Campaign
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, a Maine oysterman and Marine veteran, denied a sexual assault allegation from ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot, reported by Politico on July 6, 2026. Platner called the claim “false” and said his campaign is reflecting on the “best path forward.” The allegation follows prior reports of unsettling behavior and sexually explicit messages. Key endorsers Ro Khanna and Ruben Gallego withdrew support, intensifying calls for Platner to exit the race.
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Rep. Ro Khanna says he should have listened to his wife about ex-candidate accused of sexual assault
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) admitted he should have listened to his wife's concerns about former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who has been accused of sexual assault. Khanna, a progressive Democrat, had previously endorsed Platner's campaign and attended a rally with him last month. The congressman's statement reflects regret over his support for Platner amid the allegations. The article highlights the political fallout and personal accountability in the wake of the accusations against Platner.
Just In NewsRo Khanna Regrets Endorsing Graham Platner in Maine Senate Race After Assault Allegation
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) expressed regret on Sunday for endorsing former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner (D), who dropped out of the race against Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) after an ex-girlfriend alleged he sexually assaulted her in 2021. Khanna told 'Meet the Press' that he made a mistake in backing Platner, acknowledging he 'got that call wrong.' The endorsement controversy highlights the challenges politicians face in vetting candidates and responding to allegations of misconduct. Platner formally withdrew from the race following the accusation, leaving Collins as the incumbent in the upcoming election.
Just In NewsDemocrat Graham Platner Withdraws from Maine Senate Race
Democrat Graham Platner, a progressive oyster farmer, has formally withdrawn from the U.S. Senate race in Maine. In a letter posted to social media on Friday, Platner announced his withdrawal, allowing Maine Democratic Party members to select a new nominee later this month. Platner's exit reshapes the Democratic primary field for the Senate seat, which is currently held by independent Senator Angus King. The party will now hold a process to choose a replacement candidate to compete in the general election.
Just In NewsNewsom urges Democrats to move on from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after assault accusation
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on Democrats to move past Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who was accused of sexual assault and subsequently announced he was dropping out of the race. During a press conference on Thursday, Newsom stated he was 'looking forward to the nominating process, supporting a Democrat,' effectively signaling that the party should shift focus to other candidates. The brief statement underscores the party's effort to distance itself from Platner amid the serious allegations, as the Maine Senate race continues to develop.
Just In NewsPlatner to formally withdraw from Maine Senate race on Monday
Democrat Graham Platner is set to formally withdraw from the Maine Senate race on Monday, following his announcement on Wednesday that he was suspending campaign operations amid mounting controversy. A source close to the campaign confirmed to The Hill that Platner has privately told staff he will file paperwork to drop out on Monday, which is the last day for such action. The withdrawal comes after a period of increasing controversy surrounding his campaign, though specific details of the controversy were not provided in the article. Platner's exit reshapes the Democratic primary field for the Maine Senate seat.
Just In NewsMaine Democratic Senate Candidate Graham Platner Drops Out After Scandals
Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, has officially dropped out of the race, giving the party until July 27 to find a replacement. The decision follows a collapse in poll numbers after revelations of a serious sexual assault allegation. The article, from Reason.com, characterizes Platner as a deeply flawed candidate with a history of bizarre behavior, including a Nazi tattoo, edgy Reddit posts, alcoholism, and mistreatment of past girlfriends. It also criticizes his far-left platform, which focused on populist outrage against oligarchs and 'the Epstein class,' arguing that such views appeal more to affluent, educated people than working-class voters. The piece concludes that Platner's exit is beneficial for both the Democratic Party and the country, and criticizes the political operatives who promoted his campaign.
Reason.comMaine Democratic Senate Candidate Graham Platner Drops Out After Allegations
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, has officially dropped out of the race following revelations of a serious sexual assault allegation and a history of bizarre behavior, including a Nazi tattoo, edgy Reddit posts, and alcoholism. The party has until July 27 to find a replacement. The article, published by Reason.com, argues that Platner's withdrawal is beneficial for both the Democratic Party and the country, as his poll numbers collapsed and he was a deeply flawed candidate with no special qualifications. The piece also criticizes Platner's far-left platform, which focused on populist outrage against oligarchs and 'the Epstein class,' and blames Democratic consultants Morris Katz and Rebecca Katz for promoting a socialist agenda that the author believes is electorally unviable and insulting to working-class voters.
Reason.comGraham Platner Drops Out of Maine Senate Race After Allegations
Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, has officially dropped out of the race following revelations of a serious sexual assault allegation that caused his poll numbers to collapse. The party has until July 27 to find a replacement. The article, an opinion piece from Reason.com, argues this is the best outcome for both the party and the country, citing Platner's deeply flawed candidacy including a Nazi tattoo, edgy Reddit posts, alcoholism, and mistreatment of past girlfriends. It also criticizes his far-left platform focused on populist outrage against oligarchs and 'the Epstein class,' suggesting such views appeal more to affluent progressives than working-class voters. The piece blames Democratic consultants Morris Katz and Rebecca Katz for promoting a socialist agenda through a rough-edged candidate, concluding that Platner's withdrawal is a positive development.
Reason.comGraham Platner Exits Maine Senate Race After Rape Allegation; Democrats Plan Convention
Graham Platner suspended his campaign to unseat Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) after an ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, causing his political and financial support to evaporate. Senator Bernie Sanders urged him to quit. In an exit video, Platner denied the allegation but said he was stepping aside for the movement to continue. The Maine Democratic Party announced an expedited convention before July 27 to choose a replacement, with 500 delegates elected by county committees and 100 state party committee members. Former state Senator Troy Jackson, brewery owner Dan Kleban, and ex-congressional staffer Jordan Wood have already entered the race. Analysts say Platner's exit is a major break for Democrats, as Collins would face jeopardy against any likely replacement in the current political environment.
TheWeek feedGraham Platner Exits Maine Senate Race After Rape Allegation; Democrats Plan Convention
Graham Platner suspended his campaign to unseat Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) after an ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, causing his political and financial support to collapse. His last major backer, Senator Bernie Sanders, urged him to quit. Platner denied the allegation but said he was stepping aside for the movement to continue. The Maine Democratic Party announced an expedited convention to choose a replacement before July 27, involving 500 delegates and state party committee members. Several candidates, including former state Senator Troy Jackson, brewery owner Dan Kleban, and ex-congressional staffer Jordan Wood, have already entered the race. Analysts suggest Platner's exit is a break for Democrats, as Collins would face a tough challenge against any credible Democratic nominee in the current political environment.
TheWeek feedGraham Platner Exits Maine Senate Race After Rape Allegation; Democrats Plan Convention
Graham Platner suspended his campaign to unseat Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) after an ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, causing his political and financial support to collapse. Platner announced his withdrawal in a video, stating he would file paperwork to exit the race, while denying the allegation. The Maine Democratic Party, which had prepared for his exit, will hold an expedited convention before July 27 to choose a replacement. The convention will involve 500 delegates elected by county committees and about 100 state party committee members. Several candidates have already entered the race, including former state Senator Troy Jackson, brewery owner Dan Kleban, and ex-congressional staffer Jordan Wood. Analysts suggest Platner's exit is a break for Democrats, as even lesser-known candidates could pose a serious challenge to Collins in the current political environment.
TheWeek feedFormer Biden aide Neera Tanden says Platner 'betrayed' Maine people in Senate race exit
Neera Tanden, a political consultant and former adviser to President Joe Biden, publicly criticized former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner for his handling of his abrupt withdrawal from the Democratic primary race. Platner announced his exit in a lengthy social media video, following what sources describe as an intense pressure campaign from Democratic lawmakers. Tanden accused Platner of betraying the people of Maine by his actions and the manner of his departure. The incident highlights internal Democratic Party tensions in a key Senate race.
Just In NewsMaine Democrats scramble to find Senate challenger after Platner drops out
Maine Democrats have less than three weeks to find a challenger to incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins after Graham Platner suspended his campaign following a sexual assault allegation he denies. The state Democratic Party plans a nominating convention to pick a replacement. Several candidates have already entered the race, including former public health official Nirav Shah, former Capitol Hill staffer Jordan Wood, former USAID official David Costello, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban are also considering bids. Progressives are rallying behind Jackson, who campaigned alongside Platner, urging the party to honor the progressive support Platner garnered. The article also briefly notes that Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary, leaving a two-way race between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
Roll CallMaine Lawmaker Says Senate Candidate Platner Urged Her to Replace Him on Ballot
Maine State Representative Valli Geiger (D) has stated that Senate candidate Graham Platner (D) encouraged her to enter the race to replace him on the ballot after he suspended his campaign. Platner suspended his campaign following sexual assault allegations. Geiger told local outlet WMTW that Platner spoke with her earlier this week about the possibility of her taking his place. The development adds a new twist to the ongoing political situation in Maine, as the Democratic party navigates the fallout from the allegations and the need to field a candidate for the Senate seat.
Just In NewsMaine Democrats Enter Senate Race After Platner Suspends Campaign Over Allegations
Following the suspension of Graham Platner's U.S. Senate campaign due to mounting allegations of sexual misconduct and assault, which he denies, several Maine Democrats have announced their candidacies. Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban quickly declared they would enter the race to challenge the incumbent. The development reshapes the Democratic primary field in Maine as candidates vie for the party's nomination.
Just In NewsPlatner Ignored All His Team’s Advice in That Resignation Video
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, announced his withdrawal from the race in an 11-minute video posted on X, in which he denied sexual assault allegations, blamed the political establishment, and demanded a say in his replacement. The video contradicted advice from his closest aides, who urged a conciliatory and grateful tone. Platner was accused of sexual assault by Jenny Racicot in a Politico article published on July 6, 2026. He claimed the allegations were used by the political establishment to crush his progressive movement. Maine’s Democratic Party plans to hold a nominating convention with 600 delegates later in July to select a new candidate.
The New RepublicGraham Platner Defies Advisors, Delivers Defiant Resignation Video Denying Assault Allegations
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, released an 11-minute resignation video on July 9, 2026, in which he denied sexual assault allegations made by ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot, blamed 'larger forces' and the political establishment for his downfall, and demanded a say in his replacement. According to Politico, his closest advisors had urged him to strike a conciliatory and grateful tone, but he refused. The allegations, published by Politico on July 6, claim Platner drunkenly entered Racicot's home uninvited five years ago and forced himself on her. Platner continued to deny the claims in the video. The Maine Democratic Party now has until July 27 to select a new candidate via a nominating convention of about 600 delegates.
The New RepublicGraham Platner Defies Advisors, Delivers Defiant Resignation Video Denying Assault Allegations
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, announced his withdrawal from the race in an 11-minute video posted on X, defying the advice of his closest aides who urged a conciliatory tone. Instead, Platner vehemently denied sexual assault allegations made by Jenny Racicot, a former romantic partner, who accused him of forcing himself on her five years ago. He lambasted 'larger forces' and the political establishment, claiming the allegations were a structural attempt to crush his progressive movement. Platner also demanded a say in his replacement, despite the Maine Democratic Party planning a nominating convention with 600 delegates. The article notes that his defiant approach has complicated the party's efforts to select a new candidate by the July 27 deadline.
The New RepublicFetterman says 'trash took itself out' after Maine Senate candidate suspends campaign amid sexual assault allegations
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) publicly praised the suspension of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign, stating that 'the trash took itself out.' Platner announced his campaign suspension in an online video two days after a former girlfriend alleged in interviews with Politico and CNN that he had sexually assaulted her. The incident highlights internal Democratic Party tensions over candidate conduct and the political fallout from sexual misconduct allegations. Fetterman's blunt comment drew attention as a rare intra-party rebuke, reflecting broader debates about accountability in political campaigns.
Just In NewsTrump Struggles to Form a Single Coherent Thought About Graham Platner
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign after multiple sexual abuse allegations, including rape accusations from ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield and a second woman, Jenny Racicot. President Donald Trump, asked about the situation on Air Force One, initially suggested the outcome depends on 'whether or not you believe the woman,' ignoring that Platner had already dropped out. He then cast doubt on the allegations, noting that Fifield, a conservative, was initially disbelieved, while Racicot was believed. Trump also made an off-color remark about Racicot's appearance. The article highlights Trump's inconsistent stance on sexual misconduct allegations, given his own history of accusations. Maine Democrats must select a replacement candidate by July 27 to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
The New Republic