At least three prominent veterans organizations have pulled their endorsements of Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate challenging Senator Susan Collins in Maine, after a new sexual assault allegation surfaced. The groups are urging Platner to drop out of the race, citing the credibility of the claim and a pattern of concerning behavior.
Veterans For Responsible Leadership announced late Monday that it was rescinding its endorsement, calling the allegation reported by Politico credible. The group stated on social platform X that such conduct “runs against the fiber of our organization and who we represent.” The statement added that while Platner denies the allegation and is entitled to due process, “given the gravity and pattern of concerns surrounding his interactions with women, we believe he can no longer credibly carry this campaign forward.”
The Politico report detailed an account from Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who said she dated Platner. Racicot alleged that in 2021, Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran, entered her home uninvited while intoxicated and forced her to have sex. Platner denied the accusation in a video posted Monday, saying his campaign is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.”
Common Defense, another veterans group that had previously endorsed Platner, also rescinded its support on Monday, calling the allegations “alarming.” The group said in a statement, “We take these allegations seriously. Integrity, accountability, and respect are foundational to everything Common Defense stands for, and we hold every candidate we support to that standard without exception.” They called for Platner to withdraw, stating, “The people of Maine deserve better.”
VoteVets, the largest Democratic veterans group in the country, followed suit, removing Platner from its preferred candidates list and posting on social media, “Sexual violence is unacceptable, regardless of party, and we stand with women and survivors.”
Democratic Allies Abandon Platner
Several key political allies have also withdrawn support. Senator Bernie Sanders, who had campaigned for Platner and defended him against past criticism, said he recommended Platner step aside. “I have spoken to Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” Sanders said.
If Platner exits before the Monday ballot deadline, Maine Democrats have until July 27 to name a replacement. Potential successors include former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, who has taken an official step toward entering the race, and Nirav Shah, a former Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Our Revolution has already backed Troy Jackson as a potential replacement. Meanwhile, Maine Democrats are scrambling to find a candidate as Platner’s campaign collapses.
The race to unseat Senator Collins, who has held the seat since 1997, now faces uncertainty. Veterans For Responsible Leadership has endorsed Representative Jared Golden, a military veteran, urging him to enter the race, calling him “a proven leader of principle who is up to the task this moment requires.”
