Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine, announcing his withdrawal on Wednesday. The decision follows a public allegation by his former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, that Platner drunkenly raped her at her home in 2021.
"We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me. And for that reason we are suspending campaign operations," Platner said in a video announcement. He has denied Racicot's accusations, describing them as false.
The withdrawal comes just days before the July 13 deadline, which would have been the final date for Democrats to replace him on the ballot in the closely watched race. Control of the Senate is seen as potentially hinging on the outcome in Maine.
Leading Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, had called for Platner's immediate resignation. "The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable," their joint statement read. They also stated the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee would not invest in the race if Platner remained the nominee.
Racicot detailed to Politico how she alleges an intoxicated Platner entered her home without permission in 2021 and proceeded to have sex with her despite her repeated objections. She stated, "By definition, yes, absolutely yes," when asked if she was alleging rape.
Platner had faced a series of other scandals throughout his campaign. These included accusations of sexting other women while married, lying about a Nazi-style tattoo, and past infidelity. He had previously survived these controversies and won the Democratic primary, but the rape accusation proved to be a significant turning point.
Another former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, has also come forward with additional allegations, claiming Platner repeatedly removed condoms during sex without her consent. Fifield stated that Platner would act playfully about it, saying "Oh sneaky me," despite knowing she was not on birth control. Platner's campaign denied these allegations as "categorically false and politically motivated."
Earlier accusations against Platner, reported by The Washington Post and The New York Times, included claims of physical abuse from past girlfriends. One alleged incident involved Platner twisting her arm and trapping her in a room. He also denied these claims as politically motivated.
In addition to these issues, Platner's past online comments on Reddit surfaced, where he reportedly made disparaging remarks about a Purple Heart veteran, defended urinating on dead Taliban fighters, suggested sexual assault victims should "take some responsibility," and characterized rural voters as racist.
Maine is considered a crucial state for Democrats aiming to regain a Senate majority. The incumbent, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, has a history of performing better than polls suggest.
Maine Democrats have stated they will conduct an open and transparent process to select a new candidate. However, they have also reported that Platner's team has attempted to influence the selection process. The Maine Democratic Party Executive Director, Devon Murphy-Anderson, asserted that Platner's team has no role in determining the next nominee.