Maine Democrat Graham Platner suspends Senate bid after sexual‑assault claim
9 July 2026, 01:32 BST
Graham Platner, the former oyster farmer who captured Maine’s Democratic field with a populist message, paused his Senate campaign after a woman publicly accused him of sexual assault. Platner denied the allegation in a video posted to X, saying the accusation was “false” and that his decision was driven by the prospect of losing party support.
The allegation came into play on Monday when Jenny Racicot, 41, said Platner entered her home uninvited, was intoxicated, and sexually assaulted her. Racicot cut off contact after expressing the encounter was not consensual. Platner’s video called the claim the “worst thing that a person could do” and stated, "I learned about this through press inquiries with no time to truly respond…before the political establishment acted as judge, jury and executioner."
Who is Graham Platner?
Platner’s background as an offshore oyster farmer and Marine veteran helped him land a top spot in the Democratic field, backed by endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. His outsider appeal and commitments to universal healthcare and affordable housing earned him a decisive win in the Democratic primary and prompted Maine Governor Janet Mills to exit the race.
What are the accusations?
Warning – this story contains distressing content
Prior to the assault allegation, Platner faced other controversies: a Nazi‑symbol tattoo from a 2007 trip to Croatia, tweets suggesting victims of sexual assault “take responsibility”, and February reports from the New York Times that he had exchanged sexual messages with other women while married.
The latest claim from Racicot triggered a swift withdrawal of support from top Democrats, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and the Maine Democratic Party. Three of Platner’s leading congressional allies—Representative Ro Khanna, Senator Ruben Gallego, and Senator Martin Heinrich—rescinded endorsements. The party therefore moved to pick a replacement nominee at a convention planned within two weeks.
Who could replace Platner?
After Platner’s withdrawal, the Maine Democratic Party emphasized that the replacement process must be "transparent and democratic" and not decided behind closed doors. Candidates like former governor who withdrew earlier, economist Nirav Shah, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, business founder Dan Kleban, and former state senator Troy Jackson are all reportedly considering bids. Former governor Janet Mills, who once ran against Platner, remains on standby if she chooses to resume her campaign.
The state will need to select a nominee quickly because the deadline for filing to appear on the ballot is 13 July. Maine is deemed a must‑win state for Democrats in November’s congressional elections, and the party must not only retain Collins’ seat but also win additional seats to flip Senate control.
