Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Suspends Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegation

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, announced on Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign, following a sexual assault allegation made by a former girlfriend. The decision comes after a wave of Democrats and party-aligned groups withdrew their endorsements and called on him to exit the race.

In an 11-minute video posted to social media, Platner said his decision was not an admission of guilt but a response to threats from Democrats to cut off campaign support. He reiterated that the allegation is "false" and said he would officially file to withdraw once he is assured that his replacement will be chosen in a "transparent and democratic" manner.

"We're suspending campaign operations," Platner said in the video, adding that he wanted the process for selecting a new candidate to reflect "the will and the values of the people that built this movement."

The allegation was first reported by Politico on Monday. Jenny Racicot, 41, told the outlet that she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years. She alleged that in late 2021, an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited and forced her to have sex, despite her repeatedly telling him to stop. Racicot said she terminated contact after the encounter.

The report cited corroborating accounts from a man Racicot later confided in, as well as therapist emails and messages in which she warned an acquaintance about Platner years before his Senate run.

Platner denied the allegations in a statement to Politico, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." In a separate video message, he said, "Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue." He also suggested the accusations were driven by "large forces... working against [him] personally."

The fallout was swift. Several high-profile Democrats, including California Representative Ro Khanna and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, announced they were withdrawing their endorsements. The Maine Democratic Party called on Platner to withdraw his candidacy, and the Democratic-leaning group End Citizens United pulled its support, calling the allegations "profoundly disturbing and disqualifying."

Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders also called on Platner to step aside, citing "very serious allegations" of sexual assault.

The suspension throws one of the most competitive Senate races into turmoil. Maine is considered a must-win state for Democrats aiming to flip control of the Senate, currently held by Republicans with a 53-47 majority. The party will now focus on selecting a replacement candidate to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Platner, an oyster farmer and marine veteran, had risen rapidly in the Democratic primary with a populist, anti-oligarchy message. His campaign packed town halls and raised millions before his primary challenger, Governor Janet Mills, suspended her bid.

However, his candidacy had already been dogged by controversy. Before entering politics, Platner made offensive comments on social media and had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered up. He has said he did not initially understand the tattoo's meaning. Additionally, The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, had told the campaign that her husband sent sexually explicit texts to several women early in their marriage. Gertner later said in a video message that she was "really angry" about the report and that the two had a "great marriage."

Under Maine state law, Platner must officially drop out by July 13 for a replacement name to be placed on the ballot. He said he would file the necessary paperwork once he is satisfied that the process to select his successor will be open and democratic.