Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, is stepping back to weigh his political future following a new accusation of sexual assault. The allegation, brought forward by a Maine woman, has cast a shadow over his campaign.
Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico she had an intermittent relationship with Platner spanning more than two years. The turning point came in late 2021, she said, when Platner allegedly entered her home without permission while intoxicated and forced himself on her despite her repeated pleas to stop. Racicot stated she ended all contact after telling him the encounter was nonconsensual.
Platner has firmly denied the claim, calling it false and troubling. In a statement to USA TODAY, he said, “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” He echoed that denial in a social media video on June 6, after the Politico report broke, and canceled several campaign events.
Reflecting on the turmoil, Platner acknowledged the political fallout. “We were united in a love of Maine, a belief that our politics must change, and a focus on defeating Susan Collins,” he said. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward, for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins.”
The allegation threatens to upend a race already seen as a long shot for Democrats in a state where Collins remains popular. Platner’s campaign now hangs in the balance as he weighs his next move.
