Democrats are facing a political crisis in Maine as their Senate nominee, Graham Platner, confronts a sexual assault allegation and increasing pressure to withdraw from the race. The controversy puts the party's effort to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in jeopardy.
Platner, who denies the accusation, has not yet stepped down from his nomination. He released a video Monday stating he is considering his campaign's next steps and has canceled planned town hall events.
The allegation surfaced when a woman who previously dated Platner claimed he sexually assaulted her in 2021. The woman, Jenny Racicot, told CNN that Platner entered her home while intoxicated and forced sex upon her after she told him to stop. She stated she did not resist for fear of further violence from Platner, a Marine veteran.
This is not the first controversy for Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, since entering the race. However, the seriousness of the sexual assault claim has amplified concerns among his supporters and party leaders about the viability of his campaign.
Maine law imposes tight deadlines for replacing candidates. Platner must voluntarily withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13 for the Democratic Party to select a new nominee. If he does not withdraw, he will remain on the ballot.
The potential need for a replacement nominee has already revealed divisions within the Maine Democratic Party. Some factions advocate for a successor who mirrors Platner's progressive platform, citing his success in mobilizing voters. Others argue that any association with Platner could jeopardize an already challenging campaign against Collins.
Several potential replacements have been mentioned. Governor Janet Mills, who had previously sought the Democratic nomination but withdrew, is a possible candidate. Troy Jackson, a former Maine State Senate President who ran unsuccessfully for governor, has also been suggested. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna has put forward Jackson's name, citing his commitment to progressive values. Nirav Shah, former director of Maine's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, who finished second in the recent gubernatorial primary and was seen as a more moderate option, is another possibility. Other potential candidates include current Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban, U.S. Representative Jared Golden who is not seeking reelection, and Hannah Pingree, the current Democratic gubernatorial nominee.