Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race amid sexual assault allegation

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, has formally withdrawn from the race following a sexual assault allegation that unraveled his campaign. The decision, announced July 8 via a video on X, came after a woman identified as Jenny Racicot accused Platner of forcing her into sex in 2021. Platner denies the allegation, calling it “falsas” Source: infobae. His withdrawal, made official on July 10, leaves Democrats without a candidate in a key race against Republican incumbent Susan Collins Source: espanol.

Background and controversies

Platner, a former Marine and oysterman, won the primary on June 11 with 72% of the vote despite a series of scandals. These included a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism, offensive social media posts, and multiple accusations of abusive behavior by ex-partners Source: elmundoes. The party largely overlooked these issues until the sexual assault allegation emerged. “The fact that such a high-profile candidate escaped thorough vetting is a farce,” one analyst wrote Source: mileniomx.

Collapse of support

After the allegation became public, key allies abandoned Platner. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren demanded his withdrawal, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee threatened to cut funding Source: clarin. Platner insisted he was not admitting guilt: “We are doing this because of the structures that those in power are taking from us” Source: diariolibree.

Party in disarray

The party now faces a deadline of July 27 to select a replacement through a state convention. Progressives worry that a centrist may be chosen, while moderates argue the party should have vetted Platner more thoroughly. “The Democrats have a serious problem: they embraced a flawed populist and are now paying the price,” said one strategist Source: abces. The race is critical for Democratic hopes to retake the Senate, as Collins is a vulnerable incumbent in a state that voted for Biden in 2024.