A Maine Democratic US Senate nominee is considering withdrawing from the race following allegations from an ex-girlfriend that he forced himself on her after entering her home while intoxicated. Graham Platner has denied the accusation made by Jenny Racicot, who told Politico that the incident occurred in 2021.
Racicot stated that she and Platner had an on-and-off relationship for over two years before the alleged encounter. She recounted that Platner arrived at her rural Maine home uninvited late one evening, despite her requests for him not to come over. According to her account, Platner entered her unlocked home, went upstairs, and ignored her protests before becoming physically forceful. Racicot told Politico that she explicitly told him "No, don't," but he proceeded to have sex with her against her will. She also stated that she asked him not to ejaculate inside her because she was not on birth control.
Platner, in a video statement, addressed the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." He categorically denied any accusation of nonconsensual behavior. He acknowledged the potential political ramifications of the report and stated that he was reflecting on the best path forward for his campaign, emphasizing his goal to defeat Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Racicot did not initially use the term "rape" in her description to Politico but referred to the incident as "sa/rape" in email conversations with a therapist. She had previously described Platner's behavior in an interview with The New York Times as "reckless" and "unsettling," noting a recognition of his behavior from past experiences.
Another former partner, Lyndsey Fifield, also detailed experiences with Platner to The Times, describing instances of physical intimidation during their two-year relationship. Fifield stated that Platner never hit or punched her but could become aggressive, especially when drinking. She recalled him grabbing her by the shoulders, sometimes leaving marks, and once pulling her from a taxi by her wrist. Fifield also recounted an incident where Platner twisted her arm, pushed her into a bedroom, and held the door shut, telling her to remain there until she calmed down.
According to Fifield, Platner made disturbing remarks about "rape," stating that if someone broke into his home, he would rape them, not in a sexual way, but to assert dominance. Fifield also described Platner keeping an AR-15 rifle in his Washington D.C. apartment and sharpening an ax while watching television.
A third woman, who spoke anonymously to The Times, described Platner as charismatic at times but also prone to heavy drinking, feeling like "collateral damage" to his world.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, is seeking to unseat Senator Collins. He has faced other controversies during his campaign, including the revelation of a Nazi tattoo, which he has since covered. Fifield told The Times that Platner was aware of the tattoo's meaning and referred to it as "my Totenkopf," indicating a connection to the Nazi SS.
Further scrutiny has fallen on controversial Reddit posts made by Platner, which he described to The Advocate as containing "homophobic slurs, anti-LGBTQ+ jokes and sexually explicit stories denigrating gay men." Additionally, reports emerged of Platner texting other women sexually while married and a shirtless profile on the app Kik. Platner has not denied these reports, referring to them as "gossip" and affirming a "very happy marriage" with his wife.
Some prominent Democrats have voiced criticism. Senator John Fetterman called the behavior exhibited on Kik "creepy." However, Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren remain supportive of Platner's candidacy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated he met with Platner and expressed confidence in their ability to defeat Collins.