Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing a second allegation of sexual misconduct, compounding the crisis that has engulfed his campaign in recent days. The new accusation, detailed by The Washington Post, alleges that Platner removed condoms during sex with an ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, after she had explicitly directed him to wear them. Fifield told the newspaper that Platner would "pull condoms off" in a "sneaky way" without informing her.
This latest allegation surfaces less than 24 hours after Platner was accused of rape by another woman, Jenny Racicot. Racicot told POLITICO that Platner entered her home in 2021 while inebriated and raped her, alleging that he ejaculated inside her despite her repeated requests for him to stop.
Platner has categorically denied both allegations. His campaign issued a statement to The Washington Post calling Fifield's claims "categorically false and politically motivated." Platner released a video denying Racicot's accusations shortly after the POLITICO story was published.
The mounting scandals have led to significant fallout within the Democratic Party. Prominent figures, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have rescinded their endorsements and urged Platner to withdraw from the race. Warren stated that "there can be no tolerance for sexual assault" and that the "best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside."
Sanders, who had previously spoken with Platner, recommended that the candidate step down in light of the "very serious allegations."
Platner is challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins for her seat in the upcoming general election. A critical deadline for replacing Platner on the ballot is approaching on July 13. If Platner withdraws, the party would need to select a new candidate to run against Collins.