Maine Senate Democratic nominee suspends campaign amid sexual assault allegations

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner announced Wednesday he is suspending his campaign and plans to withdraw from the Maine U.S. Senate race following new sexual assault allegations and increasing calls from fellow Democrats to drop out.

In a video statement posted on social media, Platner denied the allegations.

“We are suspending campaign operations,” he said in the video. “This is incredibly difficult because I know that some will think it’s an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not.”

Monday, Politico reported Jenny Racicot, 41, was in an on-again-off-again relationship with Platner for more than two years. Racicot said in 2021, Platner entered her home intoxicated and forced himself on her. She said she cut off contact with Platner after telling him the encounter was not consensual.

Following the allegation, multiple Democratic lawmakers rescinded their endorsements of Platner and called for him to drop out of the race.

Platner faced a July 13 deadline to withdraw from the general election ballot.

The Maine Democratic Party has tentative plans to hold a convention in the next two weeks to replace Platner. The party must choose a new nominee by July 27 in the closely watched race to unseat five-term incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.