Senator John Fetterman is calling on Senator Bernie Sanders to apologize for his past endorsement of Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, who is facing a serious sexual assault allegation. The criticism comes as Platner's campaign faces increasing pressure, with several prominent Democrats withdrawing their support following the accusation.
In an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham on Monday evening, Fetterman stated his thoughts were with the accuser and praised her courage. He then turned his attention to Sanders, who had previously backed Platner. "I would really call Bernie Sanders to apologize for pushing this kind of predator more than anyone, he helped him elect, and now apologize to the victims, especially the woman that she claimed that he raped her," Fetterman said. He questioned Sanders' judgment in supporting such individuals.
Sanders issued a statement Tuesday morning acknowledging the allegations, stating he had spoken with Platner and recommended he step aside. "In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside," Sanders wrote.
The controversy centers on an allegation made by Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend of Platner, who claims he forced her to have sex in 2021 after she repeatedly told him to stop. Racicot described the encounter as nonconsensual. Platner has denied the accusation, calling it false and politically motivated.
Following Racicot's accusation, several Democratic figures have rescinded their endorsements of Platner and urged him to withdraw from the race. Senator Elizabeth Warren revoked her endorsement, stating, "There can be no tolerance for sexual assault." Senator Ruben Gallego also withdrew his support, calling the allegations "troubling and deeply serious." Representative Ro Khanna echoed these sentiments, urging Platner to "drop out from the race."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released a joint statement calling the allegations "incredibly disturbing" and announced that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee would not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remained on the ballot. Senator Adam Schiff also called for Platner's withdrawal, praising the accuser's courage and urging Platner to consider what is best for voters.
The Maine Democratic Party has also joined the calls for Platner to leave the race. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is the latest Democrat to urge Platner's exit.
Sanders had been a vocal supporter of Platner, appearing with him at rallies and defending his candidacy even after earlier reports of sexually explicit text messages. At that time, Sanders indicated he stood by his endorsement and suggested voters should focus on economic issues rather than Platner's personal life. However, after the new allegation emerged, organizations connected to Sanders, such as Our Revolution, withdrew their support.
Platner has until July 13 to withdraw from the race, which would allow Maine Democrats to begin the process of selecting a replacement nominee before the general election. The party would then have until July 27 to choose a new candidate. 
