Democrats are distancing themselves from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner as a former girlfriend has detailed allegations of sex assault against him. Senator John Fetterman, a prominent Democrat, called Platner a "trash bag" and urged him to withdraw from the race.
Platner denied the allegations on Monday but stated he was considering stepping down, citing the political reality of the accusations. Jenny Racicot, his former girlfriend, provided further details of her allegations to CNN on Monday evening, after an initial report by Politico.
"Any normal person could have seen what was coming, the kind of person it is now. I don't have anything to say to that trash bag," Fetterman told Fox News, while also calling on figures like Bernie Sanders and the creators of "Pod Save America" to apologize for supporting Platner.
Racicot told CNN that she "absolutely" considers what Platner did to be rape, detailing an incident in 2021 where she alleges Platner entered her home uninvited and had sex with her against her will after she repeatedly told him to stop. She stated that Platner's "level of intoxication" made her fear for her safety and that she complied to minimize harm.
Platner, 41, issued a video statement Monday calling the allegations "categorically false" but acknowledged the political implications. "Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward," he said. He has since canceled several campaign events.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, led by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, released a joint statement calling for Platner's immediate withdrawal. "Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins," the statement read.
The Democratic National Committee also indicated that Maine Democrats should select a new nominee. Representative Ro Khanna, who had previously supported Platner through earlier controversies, withdrew his endorsement, stating, "Sexual assault or violence against women is a red line."
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ruben Gallego also announced they were rescinding their endorsements and called for Platner to drop out. Leaders within the Maine Democratic Party echoed these sentiments.
Republican Senator Susan Collins, Platner's opponent, commented briefly, stating, "These allegations are appalling." She added, "Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate."
State law allows for Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with a replacement candidate to be named by July 27.
Prior to the current allegations, Platner's campaign had been marked by other controversies, including the revelation of a Nazi tattoo, which he has since covered, and past offensive Reddit posts. Another former partner, Lyndsey Fifield, described instances of physical intimidation and disturbing comments Platner made about dominance and rape. A third woman, who asked to remain anonymous, described him as charismatic but prone to heavy drinking.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, was seen as a potential candidate to win back working-class voters against Collins. However, the ongoing scandals have created significant backlash within his own party.