Calls grow for Graham Platner to drop out after sexual assault allegation

Graham Platner at a town hall in Ogunquit, Maine, last October. Photograph: Caleb Jones/AP View image in fullscreen Graham Platner at a town hall in Ogunquit, Maine, last October. Photograph: Caleb Jones/AP Calls grow for Graham Platner to drop out after sexual assault allegation Several top Democratic figures call on beleaguered Maine Senate candidate, who denies accusation, to step down Calls for Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, to withdraw his candidacy intensified Monday after a woman accused him of sexual assault in an exclusive report by Politico. While Platner denied the claims, many top Democratic figures quickly called on the beleaguered nominee to step down. In a joint statement, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Kirsten Gillibrand said Platner should “immediately withdraw”. “The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable,” they said. “The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.” Maine’s Democratic party leadership said Platner should withdraw from the race, while Ro Khanna, the California representative who has been one of Platner’s most vocal supporters , also said he should drop out. “I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” he wrote on X. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.” Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts senator who endorsed Platner in March, said in a statement “there can be no tolerance for sexual assault”. She said: “With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.” Ruben Gallego, a Democratic senator from Arizona, also said on X: “The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious. I am rescinding my endorsement.” Martin Heinrich, a Democratic senator from New Mexico who had also supported Platner in the primary, said he could “no longer support” his candidacy. “He should step aside,” Heinrich said in a statement. In the Politico report, published on Monday, Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated Platner, said he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections. Platner denied the claims in a statement to Politico. “These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue,” he said. Racicot told the outlet she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years. She alleges that in late 2021, an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her. Racicot said she terminated contact after the encounter. The report cited accounts from a man Racicot later confided in, as well as recent therapist emails, and messages where she warned an acquaintance abou