Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure to withdraw from the race following a recent rape allegation, a development that has intensified scrutiny over a campaign already marred by resurfaced Reddit posts, a Nazi symbol tattoo, and accusations of exchanging explicit messages. Several prominent Democratic senators and party leaders have rescinded their endorsements.
The most recent allegations come from Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend who has accused Platner of raping her in 2021. Racicot recounted the incident to Politico and CNN, describing how Platner allegedly entered her home uninvited and intoxicated and proceeded to assault her despite her protests. These allegations surfaced less than a week before the deadline for Platner to withdraw and allow the Democratic Party to select a replacement nominee.
Following Racicot's allegations, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., all announced they were withdrawing their support. Even Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who had initially endorsed Platner and stood by him through previous controversies, called for him to end his candidacy.
A History of Controversies
Platner's campaign has been the subject of several scandals since October 2025. The first major controversy emerged when CNN reported on a trove of deleted Reddit posts made by Platner between 2009 and 2021. These posts included descriptions of himself as a "communist," derogatory remarks about police, and opinions on rural white Americans being racist and unintelligent. Platner also expressed disillusionment with U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, stating his combat experiences had made him "significantly more left."
Further scrutiny of his Reddit activity revealed posts where Platner appeared to downplay concerns about sexual assault, suggesting individuals should "take some responsibility for themselves" and avoid excessive intoxication. Platner, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, distanced himself from these posts, telling CNN he was "f------ around the internet" and struggling with his return to civilian life, asserting that his past online comments did not reflect his current self.
In October 2025, a video released during an appearance on "Pod Save America" showed Platner with a tattoo on his chest that critics identified as resembling the Nazi SS Totenkopf, or "Death's Head," symbol. Platner stated he received the tattoo in 2007 while drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia, believing it to be a skull-and-crossbones design, and claimed ignorance of its Nazi association until his campaign. He apologized and initially planned to have it removed, later covering it with a Celtic knot. However, subsequent reporting questioned his claim of ignorance, citing past acquaintances and online activity.
In May 2026, The New York Times reported that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, had informed campaign officials of explicit messages her husband had exchanged with other women via the app Kik during the early years of their marriage. Campaign officials reportedly differed on the number of women involved and whether the conduct ceased before the campaign began. This revelation led to criticism from Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who labeled Platner a "creeper."
Further reporting by The New York Times in June 2026 detailed interviews with six former romantic partners. While three described Platner positively, three others alleged volatile relationships marked by heavy drinking, infidelity, and emotional damage. One former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, accused Platner of physical intimidation, including grabbing her forcefully enough to leave marks and restraining her during an argument. Platner denied allegations of physical intimidation, and the Times stated it could not corroborate Fifield's claims.
Amidst these controversies, Platner stated that his campaign is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward."