Democratic leaders moved swiftly Monday to distance themselves from Maine U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, triggering a wave of calls for him to withdraw from one of the party’s most important Senate races of the 2026 election cycle.
Within hours of the accusation becoming public, Democratic leaders, national party organizations, and several longtime supporters announced they could no longer back Platner’s campaign.
The latest allegation came after Politico reported that Jenny Racicot, a Maine woman who previously dated Platner, alleged he forced her to have sex after entering her home in 2021 while intoxicated.
Platner denied the accusation, saying in a video posted to social media, “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false.”
He added that his campaign was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” as pressure mounted from within his own party.
The response from Democratic leadership was immediate.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement declaring, “The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing — violence, abuse, and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable.”
They added that “Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate” and warned that the DSCC “will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin also said it was “time for him to end his campaign,” while the Maine Democratic Party called on Platner to step aside.
Several Democrats who had previously backed Platner also rescinded their support.
Massachussetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) urged him to leave the race, saying, “There can be no tolerance for sexual assault.”
Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego (D) withdrew his endorsement, while Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) wrote that allegations involving sexual assault or violence against women are “a red line” and called for Platner to drop out.
Other Democratic lawmakers and outside organizations also ended their support, including Senate Majority PAC, End Citizens United, and Our Revolution, according to Newsmax and Newsweek.
The latest allegation follows weeks of mounting scrutiny over Platner’s campaign, including criticism over offensive social media posts, reports of inappropriate behavior toward women, and a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol before it was covered.
Despite those earlier controversies, many Democratic leaders had continued backing his campaign until the latest allegation prompted a broad reversal.
Democrats now face a rapidly approaching legal deadline that will determine whether they can replace their nominee before the November election if Platner withdraws.
Under Maine law, Platner has until 5 p.m. on July 13 to withdraw if Democrats hope to name a replacement candidate for the general election, according to CBNC.
If he steps aside before that deadline, the Maine Democratic Party would have until July 27 to select a new nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race viewed as one of Democrats’ top pickup opportunities.
Potential replacement names that have surfaced include Gov. Janet Mills, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
As of Tuesday morning, Platner had not announced whether he would remain in the race.
WATCH:
