Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has denied allegations of sexual assault after a report from Politico detailed a 2021 accusation made by a woman he previously dated.
In a video posted to social media moments after the Politico report was published, Platner stated, "Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false." He added that his campaign is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" given the "political reality."
Platner's campaign issued a statement to HuffPost, calling the allegations "very serious" but also stating they are "coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives." The statement compared the current accusations to past criticisms, including being called a "Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist," which the campaign asserts were untrue. The campaign also noted the timing of the report, suggesting it was timed to impact the upcoming ballot deadline, similar to how previous allegations were released before the primary.
According to the Politico report, Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident, accused Platner of entering her home uninvited in 2021 while he was under the influence and forcefully grabbing her. "I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me," Racicot told Politico. "I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, ‘This is no longer my choice.’"
The allegations emerged after Platner canceled several campaign events earlier on Monday. Platner won the Democratic Senate primary on June 9 and is set to face Republican candidate Susan Collins in the fall.
Platner's campaign has been previously marked by controversies, including a tattoo of a Nazi symbol, explicit text messages sent to a woman who was not his wife, and past online comments about rape. He previously addressed these issues in a statement to HuffPost, saying, "I take responsibility for all of that, and wish I had been better. Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated."
Following the new allegations, the Maine Democratic Party leadership called on Platner to withdraw his candidacy. "Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today’s statements take those allegations even further," stated Chair Charlie Dingman, Vice Chair Imke Schessler, and Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson of the Maine Democratic Party.
Several political figures and organizations have distanced themselves from Platner or revoked endorsements. Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna and Ruben Gallego both pulled their endorsements, with Khanna stating that sexual assault or violence against women is a "red line" and that Platner "should drop out from the race." New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, who had previously endorsed Platner, distanced himself, stating the allegations "should be treated as such." Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United, also called for Platner to withdraw, describing the conduct as "profoundly disturbing and disqualifying."