Several prominent Democratic politicians and progressive figures have rescinded their endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner following new rape allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot. The accusations, which Platner denies, have forced a swift reversal from party leaders who had previously defended him against a string of other controversies.
Racicot publicly detailed her allegations on Monday, which stem from an alleged home intrusion incident approximately five years ago. Platner is currently considering whether to withdraw from the race.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who had previously described Platner as "my kind of man" and supported him through earlier scandals, stated Monday that "there can be no tolerance for sexual assault." She called on Platner to step aside.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a notable early supporter, had previously defended Platner against criticism over past remarks and actions, even flying to Maine to campaign with him after initial accusations of abuse emerged. Khanna, who had stated he believed Platner's accusers despite supporting him, announced he was withdrawing his endorsement, declaring, "I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line."
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), an early endorser, also withdrew his support Tuesday, urging Platner to step aside. Sanders had previously defended Platner, suggesting that opponents were orchestrating a smear campaign.
Other senators who had backed Platner have also reversed their positions. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) called the allegations "troubling and deeply serious" in rescinding his endorsement. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) stated the allegations "cannot be ignored" and called for Platner to step down.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) initially suggested Platner would win the Maine Senate seat. However, following the rape accusations, they deemed them "unacceptable" and indicated the DSCC would not invest in the race if Platner remained a candidate.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who had previously downplayed Platner's controversies by emphasizing the need to win Senate seats, also called for Platner to step aside after the new allegations surfaced.
Progressive commentators and media figures have also distanced themselves from Platner. YouTuber Kyle Kulinski, who had previously stated he would still support Platner even under extreme circumstances, acknowledged the seriousness of the rape accusations. Author Naomi Klein issued an apology, admitting she "f---ed up not doing my due diligence" on Platner. "The View" host Sunny Hostin, who had previously said she would "hold my nose and vote for Platner" despite her reservations, later declared he "should step down."
Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, who had characterized earlier scandals as a "bad-faith right wing smear campaign," began reposting critiques of former President Trump's history of allegations after Platner's rape accusations emerged.