Platner Rape Allegation Triggers Democratic Withdrawal Calls in Maine Senate Race

Maine Democrats risk losing a winnable Senate seat against Republican incumbent Susan Collins after nominee Graham Platner faced a public rape allegation from a former girlfriend. The accusation, reported by Politico on July 6, 2026, prompted immediate calls from party leaders for Platner to exit before the July 13 withdrawal deadline that would allow a replacement nominee by July 27.

Platner, who won the Democratic primary with 72 percent against Gov. Janet Mills, denied the claim. He described the allegation from Jenny Racicot as "troubling, serious and false." Racicot told outlets that Platner forced sex despite her objections five years earlier while intoxicated. Earlier reports had already documented Platner's deleted social media posts from 2013 and 2020-2021, a tattoo linked by critics to Nazi symbolism, and explicit texts outside his marriage.

Sanders withdrew his endorsement on July 7 and recommended Platner step aside. Other Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer followed with similar statements. The Maine Democratic Party executive director stated in a video that Platner's team had attempted to influence the replacement process, which the party rejected. Platner's campaign responded that it sought only logistical clarity and emphasized the 150,000 primary voters and 15,000 volunteers who backed the ticket.

Potential replacements who have signaled interest or filed paperwork include former state Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Dr. Nirav Shah, and former House Speaker Sara Gideon. State law leaves selection to the party, with options under discussion including a July convention or caucus. A New York Times/Siena poll conducted before the latest allegation showed Platner leading Collins by two points, though 30 percent of his own supporters already questioned their support over prior controversies.

The episode leaves Democrats with limited time to unify behind a new nominee in a state that has trended Democratic in presidential voting but remains competitive in Senate contests.