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Democrats Press Platner to Quit After New Sexual‑Assault Allegation

Major Democrats rescinded support, with the DSCC warning it will pull funding if Platner stays on the ballot before the July 13 replacement deadline.

BLUE HILL, MAINE - JUNE 9: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks at his Primary Election event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee and will face incumbent Sen. Collins (R-ME) for Maine's U.S. Senate seat in the general election. (Photo by CJ Gunther/Getty Images)
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Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night event in Blue Hill, Maine, on June 9. Photo: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Overview

  • Platner denied the allegation and said he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” after Monday’s Politico report in which a former partner, Jenny Racicot, said he forced sex in late 2021.
  • Hours after the report, leading progressives and party groups including Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego withdrew endorsements and the Maine Democratic Party publicly urged Platner to withdraw.
  • Senate Democratic leaders and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said they would stop investing in the Maine race if Platner remains the nominee, a threat that could strip critical funding in a must‑win contest against Sen. Susan Collins.
  • The allegation arrives on top of earlier reporting about Platner’s Nazi‑style chest tattoo that he later covered, derogatory Reddit posts, verified sexting with multiple women and accounts by ex‑partners describing volatile behavior.
  • If Platner withdraws by the 5 p.m. July 13 deadline, Maine Democrats would have until July 27 to name a replacement candidate, a narrow window that will shape the party’s ability to compete and determine whether national groups keep backing the race.