Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has withdrawn from the race in Maine, announcing his decision in an 11-minute video posted to X. Platner, who was championed by several prominent Democrats earlier in his campaign, blamed what he called the "Democrat machine" and "structures that are being taken away from us by those in power" for his departure, rather than the allegations that have surfaced against him.
Platner's withdrawal followed a report by Politico detailing accusations from his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Recicot, who alleged that Platner forced her to have sex against her will in 2021. Following Recicot's claims, prominent figures such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, along with House Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, disavowed Platner and urged him to drop out of the race.
In his resignation video, the 41-year-old Platner denied Recicot's allegations, stating, "The things that have been claimed did not happen. It's not real." He further contended that his campaign was being undermined not by the accusations, but by the alleged actions of those within the party structure. "We won," Platner said of the Democratic primary, "Now they are not going to let us have it. Not if it's me."
Platner's campaign had been carefully constructed, with consultants reportedly telling him he was a significant figure in the progressive movement. He gained national attention with a narrative of a hardscrabble life, despite attending a private prep school and receiving a substantial loan from his father for his home. He attracted support from figures like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Ro Khanna, and was even privately promoted by some as a potential presidential candidate for 2028.
Prior to Racicot's accusation, other red flags had emerged, including past revelations from his wife about sexting other women and allegations from another ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fiefeld, who claimed Platner had once locked her in a room and forcibly removed her from a car. Fiefeld's claims were reportedly dismissed by supporters due to her Republican affiliation.
Platner's supporters, described as national left-wing progressives, had largely overlooked or dismissed these prior issues. However, Racicot's accusation, made by someone who identified with his political views but cited character concerns, proved to be a turning point that ultimately led to the withdrawal of support from party leadership and the subsequent end of his Senate bid.