The woman accusing Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner (D) of sexual assault has publicly stated she believes the incident constitutes rape. Jenny Racicot, 41, told CNN’s “The Lead” on Monday that Platner forcibly entered her home in 2021 while heavily intoxicated and ignored her repeated refusals before assaulting her.
“By definition? Yes, absolutely,” Racicot said when asked if she considered it rape. The allegation, first reported by Politico, has sent shockwaves through the Maine Senate race, which already saw Platner win the Democratic primary after Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign.
Racicot told CNN’s Jake Tapper she initially stayed silent because she shared Platner’s political views and wanted a Democrat to unseat incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). But after the Politico report, she decided to speak out, saying she did not physically resist because she feared for her safety given Platner’s size and strength. “I felt like complying for my safety was the least worst option,” she added.
The accuser said she considered calling the police but refrained because she “feared retaliation from Platner,” according to Politico. The outlet reviewed text messages and interviewed people Racicot had confided in, including her therapist and an ex-boyfriend.
Platner, a populist oyster farmer, has denied the allegations. “These allegations are troubling, serious, and false,” he told Politico. “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” His campaign said it is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” after the report.
The controversy has triggered a cascade of fallout. Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), who had previously backed Platner, withdrew his endorsement and called on him to drop out. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race,” Khanna wrote on social media. Other Democrats have followed suit, with many urging Platner to exit the race, as detailed in a joint statement from Schumer and Gillibrand demanding his withdrawal.
A recent poll found 75% of Maine voters want Platner out after the allegation, and the GOP has outspent Democrats 4-to-1 in the race, as Platner’s campaign has warned. The scandal has also prompted a broader reckoning within the Maine Democratic Party, which now faces questions about vetting and candidate accountability.
Racicot’s decision to come forward has intensified pressure on Platner, who previously faced other controversies. With the general election in November, the race against Collins—who holds a narrow 3-point lead per a Fox poll—has become a flashpoint for national political dynamics.
