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Maine Democratic Senate candidate Platner faces sexual assault allegation as US Democrats pull support
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is accused of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend. Leading figures and groups within the US Democratic Party have withdrawn their support for Platner following an interview published in Politico.
In Maine, Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is losing party support as he faces a sexual assault allegation from his ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot.
Speaking to Politico, Racicot alleged that Platner entered her home in Maine uninvited and intoxicated in late 2021, and forced her into non-consensual sex despite her repeatedly telling him to stop.
Platner denies the allegations and is trying to maintain his image as a popular progressive politician.
Wave of support withdrawals from US Democrats
After the interview was published in Politico, leading figures from the US Democratic Party and Democratic-leaning political groups withdrew their support for Platner.
US Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, said: 'I have made it very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is my red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should withdraw from the race. I am pulling my support.'
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego also announced he was withdrawing his support, while the Maine Democratic Party called on Platner to drop out of the race.
The Democratic-leaning political group End Citizens United withdrew its support, describing the allegations as 'extremely disturbing and disqualifying.' In a statement, the group said: 'The behavior described is fundamentally incompatible with the standards we expect from the candidates we support.'
Left-leaning commentator and streamer Hasan Piker, who had previously supported Platner, reversed his position during a live stream on Twitch, saying: 'If new evidence emerges, I change my perspective – it's that simple.' He added: 'This is a clear example of verifiable sexual assault allegations. Completely unforgivable.'
The future of the race and Platner's campaign decision
Platner won the Democratic primary in Maine in April, defeating a centrist Democrat from the party's establishment wing. In this race, which is seen as a must-win for Democrats, he is expected to face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Under Maine state law, if Platner withdraws by July 13, another candidate can be nominated to replace him. The replacement candidate must be determined by July 27.
In a video posted on social media, Platner denied the latest allegations but said he was reassessing his campaign. 'Regardless of the inaccuracies in the reporting, we are taking time to think about the best path forward, aware of the political reality it will create,' he said.
Racicot's allegations are the latest in a long chain of controversies surrounding Platner. A Marine Corps veteran who also worked for a private security company, Platner has a tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi symbol. Platner said he did not know the meaning of the tattoo and later had it covered up. He was also reported to have used controversial statements on social media and to have exchanged sexually explicit messages with other women shortly after getting married.
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