Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing potential removal from the November ballot after a Politico report detailed a sexual assault allegation against him. The accusation, made by Jenny Racicot, has thrown the race into turmoil and triggered a critical timeline for the party to replace him.
Platner, a Marine Corps veteran, won the Democratic primary last month, defeating David Costello and Governor Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign in April. He was set to challenge five-term incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). But the new allegation has prompted calls for his withdrawal and raised questions about the party's next steps.
According to the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, Platner has until July 13 to withdraw and allow a replacement. If he steps aside by then, Maine Democratic State Committee Chair Charlie Dingman must convene a nominating meeting to select a new candidate. The party has until July 27, the fourth Monday in July, to formally replace their nominee on the ballot.
State law also provides a later deadline: if Platner withdraws on or before August 25—70 days before the general election—Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D) must remove his name from the ballot. However, after July 27, the party would no longer be able to substitute a new candidate, leaving the race without a Democratic nominee.
The Politico article details Racicot's account of an incident in 2021, when she says Platner entered her Maine home uninvited one night. She told the outlet that he was “almost blackout drunk” and forced himself on her despite her repeated refusals. “I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’” She alleged he followed her to her bedroom and had sex with her against her will.
Platner denied the allegations in a video posted to X, calling any accusation of nonconsensual behavior “categorically false.” He said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for his campaign.
The situation has placed Maine Democrats in a difficult position. The party had already faced internal divisions, as seen in the abandonment of Platner by some Democrats following the allegation. With Collins seeking a sixth term, the party sees this seat as a potential pickup opportunity, but the controversy could complicate their efforts.
Platner’s primary victory was part of a broader trend of progressive and socialist candidates gaining traction in Democratic primaries, a development that has sparked debate within the party. Some centrists, like Senator Joe Manchin, have blamed a “void of leadership” for these wins, while others argue the surge reflects a hunger for fighters. The outcome in Maine will be closely watched as a test of the party’s direction.
