Maine Senate candidate Platner says campaign is deciding 'best path forward' after new sexual assault allegation

By — Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maine-senate-candidate-platner-says-campaign-is-deciding-best-path-forward-after-new-sexual-assault-allegation Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Maine Senate candidate Platner says campaign is deciding 'best path forward' after new sexual assault allegation Politics Updated on Jul 6, 2026 6:26 PM EDT — Published on Jul 6, 2026 4:35 PM EDT A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday , leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. "Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we're taking the time to reflect on the best path forward," he said in a video released on social media. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn't consensual. A voicemail left at a number listed for Racicot seeking comment did not receive an immediate response. Platner's campaign did not immediately respond to an email and phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment. "Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false," Platner said in his video. Still, the allegation sparked a flight away from a candidate who has long been controversial. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who'd stood by Platner even as the insurgent candidate was hit with prior allegations, said Monday's was enough. "I've been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line," Khanna said. "These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement." Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego also announced he was pulling his endorsement, as did the Democratic-leaning political group End Citizens United. The Democratic leaders of Maine's legislature called for Platner to withdraw, as did top officials at the state Democratic Party. "Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today's statements take those allegations even further," party chair Charlie Dingman, vice chair Imke Schessler and executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a joint statement. "This Senate race comes at a pivotal moment in the struggle against a government, supported by Senat