Top Democrats press Maine senate candidate to drop out of race over sexual assault allegation

July 7, 2026

Graham Platner, Maine's Democratic Senate candidate and former combat marine, is facing mounting pressure from top Democrats to withdraw from the race following sexual assault allegations from a woman he previously dated. The woman, Jenny Racicot, told Politico that Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated and assaulted her during their two-year relationship. Major Democratic figures including Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee are demanding his immediate withdrawal, with the DSCC threatening to pull all funding if he remains.

Who is affected

Graham Platner (Democratic Senate candidate)
Jenny Racicot, 41 (woman alleging sexual assault)
Several unnamed former girlfriends who accused Platner of mistreating them
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Elissa Slotkin, Martin Heinrich, and Ruben Gallego
Congressman Ro Khanna
Republican Senator Susan Collins (incumbent opponent)
Maine Democratic Party
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Donna Brazile (political strategist)
Democratic voters in Maine

What action is being taken

Top Democrats are calling for Platner to drop out of the race
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has stated it will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot
Three supporters (Congressman Ro Khanna and Senators Martin Heinrich and Ruben Gallego) have withdrawn their endorsements
Platner's campaign has postponed several events scheduled for this week
Platner is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward"

Why it matters

This race is pivotal to Democrats' chances of gaining control of the Senate in the November midterm elections. The scandal threatens what was already considered a longshot bid to flip Senate control, as Maine is a crucial state where no Republican has won a presidential election since 1988. The allegations add to existing controversies surrounding Platner's campaign, including previous reports of mistreating women and a Nazi-resembling tattoo, undermining the party's efforts to defeat three-decade incumbent Susan Collins. The timing is particularly critical given the July 13th deadline for ballot replacement.

What's next

Platner must decide whether to withdraw from the race by July 13th in order for his name to be removed from the state's ballot and replaced by another candidate
Platner stated he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward"
If Platner remains on the ballot, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will not invest in the Maine Senate race
The race against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins will proceed in November's congressional elections

Read full article from source: BBC