Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing intensified calls to suspend his campaign after a former girlfriend accused him of rape. The allegation has led to a significant backlash from various media figures and Democratic leaders who had previously supported him.

Politico published a report detailing the accusation by Jenny Racicot, who alleges that in 2021, a drunk Platner entered her home uninvited and engaged in sexual activity with her despite her repeated requests to stop. Racicot also told CNN that the encounter, which Platner has denied, constituted the "dictionary definition" of rape.

Shifting Alliances

Several prominent media personalities who had previously defended Platner have now called for him to withdraw. Jon Favreau, co-host of "Pod Save America," who in April described Platner as "our best and only chance to beat Susan Collins" and a "good, decent man," reversed his stance. On Monday, Favreau stated, "Platner needs to drop out ASAP - these are awful, credible allegations." He added that it is "abundantly clear that he just hasn't been honest about his past and can't be trusted as a candidate for office."

Krystal Ball, a commentator and co-host of "Breaking Points," who once declared, "Senator Platner cannot arrive soon enough," now agrees Platner should exit the race. "The allegations are horrible and I see no reason why his accuser would lie," Ball posted. Sarah Longwell, founder of The Bulwark, also urged Platner to leave the race. The publication had previously suggested Platner had a strong chance for a future presidential candidacy.

Michelle Goldberg, a columnist for The New York Times, expressed regret for a previous column that praised Platner. "I deeply regret that, impressed by Platner’s political charisma, I wrote that he was 'nothing like the edgelord caricature I encountered online.' If anything, he seems to be significantly worse," Goldberg wrote, referencing her earlier assessment in light of the new allegations.

Author Naomi Klein apologized for not conducting sufficient due diligence on Platner before offering praise for his communication skills. "Most of all I'm sorry to the women who came forward only to be disbelieved and smeared. You deserved better and I feel absolutely gutted," Klein stated.

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker also withdrew his support, describing the accusations as "credible" and "beyond red flags." MS NOW's Antonia Hylton suggested that initial reluctance to abandon Platner by some Democrats may have stemmed from the first accuser's association with right-wing politics.

Political Fallout

Beyond media figures, high-profile Democrats have also urged Platner to step down. These include Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

VoteVets, an organization supporting Democratic veterans, has withdrawn its endorsement of Platner, who has served multiple overseas deployments. Under Maine law, Platner can be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by 5 p.m. on July 13, with the state party allowed to nominate a replacement by July 27.

Platner has denied the allegations and has not yet announced his future plans regarding the campaign.