Key Democratic figures call on Graham Platner to ‘immediately’ withdraw from Senate race – US politics live

Democratic Leaders Call for Graham Platner to Withdraw from Maine Senate Race Following Allegation

Maine Democratic Party leadership has called for Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race. The request follows a report by Politico detailing an accusation from Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident who previously dated Platner.

Racicot alleged that Platner forced her to have sex in late 2021 despite her objections. Platner has denied the claim. In a statement to Politico, he said the allegations are “troubling, serious, and false” and that “any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” In a subsequent video message posted to X, Platner described the accusations as false while stating he was considering the political implications.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement calling for Platner to “immediately withdraw.” Representative Ro Khanna, who had endorsed Platner, withdrew his support and wrote on X that “sexual assault or violence against women is a red line” and that “these allegations are very serious and credible.” Senator Elizabeth Warren, who endorsed Platner in March, stated there can be no tolerance for sexual assault and that the best path forward is for Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee.

Platner secured the Democratic nomination and is scheduled to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November general election. Collins posted on social media that the allegations are appalling but added that it is not up to her to choose the Democratic nominee.

Racicot told Politico that she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years. She said an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited in late 2021 and forced himself on her, after which she ended contact. The report included accounts from a man in whom Racicot later confided, recent therapist emails, and messages in which she warned an acquaintance about Platner in 2023.

Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, has previously faced scrutiny over past social media comments and a tattoo that he has said he later covered after learning of its associations. He has described his candidacy as focused on defeating Collins.

In a video message, Platner said voters who supported his nomination deserved to see their goals realized and that every tool would be used to defeat Collins. He stated that Maine’s outcome would influence the national picture.

Other Developments

President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara, Turkey, for a two-day NATO summit. He landed at 1:51 p.m. local time aboard the presidential aircraft and was greeted on the tarmac by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his wife Emine. Trump is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Erdogan at the presidential palace and attend a leaders’ dinner before the main summit session.

A federal court judge rejected Trump’s latest request to delay payment of a $5.8 million judgment related to defamation of a magazine columnist. The judgment stems from a jury finding that Trump sexually abused the columnist.

Trump rang the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange from the White House to mark the first trading day for Trump accounts, a government program providing children with a $1,000 investment account. It was the first time the bell had been rung from the White House and the first joint opening of the exchanges.

National Guard soldiers in Memphis, Tennessee, shot and killed a man during a chase after authorities said the man turned and pointed a gun at the troops. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday in response to a report of gunfire. The Tennessee National Guard deployment was authorized by Governor Bill Lee to assist federal efforts addressing crime in certain cities.

Former top Republican aide John Leganski commented on potential internal pressures within the Democratic Party if it gains House control in November. He noted primary victories by candidates critical of corporate PAC contributions and compared the dynamics to those previously faced by Republicans.

Senator Ted Cruz described the Trump accounts program as creating capitalists rather than relying on government provision. Trump has used speeches to contrast communism with American principles, including remarks at Mount Rushmore marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The NATO summit in Ankara occurs as member countries address security commitments amid shifts in U.S. policy toward Europe. Trump has emphasized alliance loyalty and criticized several European members for positions on base access.

These events were reported across multiple updates on July 7, 2026. Platner’s campaign has not issued further statements beyond the video message addressing the allegation and the goal of defeating Collins.