It’s not me, it’s them: Platner goes down snarling with graceless exit video

Graham Platner Suspends Maine Senate Campaign After Sexual Assault Allegation

“Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself.”

These were the parting words of Richard Nixon after he resigned the presidency in 1974. On Wednesday, Graham Platner suspended his Democratic campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine following a sexual assault allegation from a former girlfriend. Platner denied the claim.

The 41-year-old oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran had launched his campaign 323 days earlier with a video showing him working on his farm and discussing economic conditions in rural Maine. The suspension announcement was recorded at approximately 4 p.m. outside his home in the presence of advisers including Ben Chin and Morris Katz.

Politico reported that several advisers urged Platner to adopt a conciliatory tone. Platner instead conditioned his withdrawal on the opportunity to criticize establishment Democrats and attribute the end of his campaign to their actions. The resulting 11-minute video described the circumstances of his departure and the pressures he said he faced.

Platner stated that the allegation was false and that he had learned of it through press inquiries, leaving insufficient time for investigation or response before media and party figures acted. He referred to “larger forces” and a political system that he said disadvantages candidates without institutional support. He also said decisions about the race should be made openly by voters rather than by party officials in Washington.

The video included thanks to volunteers and donors who had supported the campaign. Platner said the campaign had demonstrated that a grassroots effort could succeed but that the allegations had removed the resources needed to continue. He announced the suspension of operations while maintaining that the step did not constitute an admission of guilt.

The Democratic primary had been scheduled for later in the year. Party officials have indicated they will seek a replacement candidate. The general election will pit the Democratic nominee against Republican incumbent Susan Collins, whose seat is viewed by both parties as competitive in the November contest for Senate control. Filing and ballot deadlines limit the time available for a new candidate to organize.

The allegation originated with Jenny Racicot, who stated that Platner had non-consensual sex with her after she told him to stop. Platner has denied the account. Additional women have described other incidents involving Platner, and reports have surfaced regarding past social media posts and a tattoo that some have characterized as offensive. Platner has addressed those matters in earlier statements.

Emily’s List, which supports Democratic women candidates, posted on X that the video contained “11 minutes and zero accountability.” Political strategist David Axelrod stated that Platner had presented himself as a martyr and that the manner of his departure lacked merit even though the campaign had built support.

Former President Donald Trump commented on the matter, saying the outcome depended on whether one believed the woman making the allegation and noting that falsehoods are sometimes repeated.

The suspension leaves Maine Democrats with a shortened period to select and promote a nominee against Collins. Party leaders have not yet named a preferred successor or outlined the process for filling the vacancy on the ballot. Platner’s campaign had raised funds primarily from small donors and had emphasized opposition to certain institutional practices within the Democratic Party.

The video concluded with Platner encouraging supporters to continue political involvement. He said future success would depend on decisions made by voters in the state rather than by national party figures.