Graham Platner Suspends Maine Senate Bid Following Assault Claims

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign operations in Maine’s race against longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins. The announcement came on July 8, 2026, just days ahead of the state’s July 13 deadline for withdrawing while still allowing a replacement nominee on the ballot.

Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, had won the Democratic primary on June 9, 2026, with more than 70 percent of the vote. He defeated several rivals, including Gov. Janet Mills, who had paused her own bid earlier but stayed on the ballot.

In an 11-minute video posted online, Platner directly addressed recent allegations of sexual assault, calling them entirely false and stating that the described events “did not happen” and “it’s not real.” He emphasized that his decision to step back “is incredibly difficult, because I know many will think of it as an admission of guilt. It most certainly is not.” He had previously described any claims of nonconsensual conduct as “categorically false.”

The allegations were made public on July 6 by Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident who told Politico that Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated in late 2021 and forced himself on her despite her objections. She said the two had an on-and-off relationship for more than two years and that she did not file a police report.

Democratic leaders and organizations quickly called for Platner to exit the race. The Maine Democratic Party stated it “stands with women and survivors, and that principle does not bend based on party affiliation.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand described the allegations as “incredibly disturbing” and indicated the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee would not invest in the race if Platner remained the nominee. The Senate Majority PAC announced it would redirect resources away from the contest.

Several prominent Democrats withdrew their endorsements, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ruben Gallego, as well as Rep. Ro Khanna. DNC Chair Ken Martin, who had endorsed Platner after the primary, also urged him to step aside.

Under Maine law, the state Democratic Party now has until July 27 to name a replacement nominee for the November 3, 2026, general election. Gov. Janet Mills has not yet commented on whether she would be interested in the nomination.

The withdrawal comes amid earlier controversies surrounding Platner, including past sexually explicit messages sent during his marriage and a tattoo he covered up in October 2025 after it was criticized for resembling a Nazi SS symbol.

Democrats view the Maine seat as a key target in their effort to gain Senate seats. Collins, first elected in 1996, is seeking a sixth term.