Democratic leaders withdrew support from Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner on Monday after a woman accused him of sexual assault in 2021. Platner denied the claim as false. The move leaves the party scrambling ahead of the November election.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Platner to immediately withdraw from the race. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said the group would no longer invest in the Maine contest if he remains on the ballot.
Other prominent Democrats including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Mark Kelly and Rep. Ro Khanna also urged Platner to step aside. The Democratic National Committee and Senate Majority PAC redirected resources away from the race.
Jenny Racicot, 41, told POLITICO and CNN that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her despite her objections. Platner released a video saying he is reflecting on the best path forward for the state.
Maine law gives Platner until July 13 to withdraw so the party can select a replacement before the general election against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
