Graham Platner has suspended his Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine following a sexual assault allegation reported earlier this week. The candidate denied the claim in a video posted Wednesday.
Platner announced the decision in an 11-minute video on social media. "We believe that for the movement to continue, it can't be me," he said. "This is incredibly difficult because I know that some will think it's an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not."
The allegation came from Jenny Racicot, who said Platner entered her home in 2021 without permission and sexually assaulted her. Platner called the accusation "all false" and "categorically untrue."
Major Democratic figures, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, withdrew support after the report. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said it would not invest in the race with Platner on the ballot.
State law requires the Maine Democratic Party to select a replacement by July 27. Troy Jackson has already launched a bid, while Nirav Shah and Shenna Bellows are among those considering a run.
