A growing number of Democratic lawmakers and public figures are withdrawing their endorsements of Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, following a report that a woman has accused him of sexual assault. The allegations were detailed in an exclusive report by Politico, prompting swift reactions from prominent party members.
Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego described the allegations as “troubling and deeply serious” and announced he would rescind his endorsement. Former Democratic National Committee interim chair Donna Brazile called for Platner to “step aside and be replaced by July 13th”. Representative Ro Khanna also withdrew his endorsement, stating the allegations were “very serious and credible”.
The accuser, Jenny Racicot, told CNN that she met Platner on the dating app Bumble in 2019. She alleged that Platner entered her home intoxicated and sexually assaulted her despite her repeated objections. “When somebody in the middle of it says ‘don’t touch me’, like that’s obviously not consensual,” Racicot said. She denied any political motivation, saying she initially hesitated to come forward because she agreed with many of Platner’s policy positions.
Platner, an oyster farmer and former Marine veteran, has denied the claims. As of Monday, he had cancelled several campaign town halls in Maine. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined the calls for Platner to drop out, stating, “The Democratic Party should continue to stand with all survivors of sexual assault”.
