If you or someone you know needs resources or support related to sexual violence, contact the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s 24/7 hotline at 800-871-7741.
Graham Platner is facing the biggest scandal of his U.S. Senate campaign.
In a report published Monday, Jenny Racicot, 41, accused Platner of raping her in 2021, two years after they first met on a dating app.
The fallout has been swift and immediate, with politicians and organizations withdrawing their endorsements of the Sullivan oyster farmer and calling for him to drop out of the race against Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins. He’s still in the race, for now, but Platner has postponed a number of events as he takes time to “reflect” on his campaign.
While Platner has some defenders right now, such as horror author Stephen King, the reaction has largely been critical.
Here’s a rundown of the reactions from some of the state’s biggest political players.
Maine politicians
Joe Baldacci, Democratic Maine state senator
“Now he is saying he wants a ‘guarantee’ as to who the nominee will be.
“Guess what after you have put the Democratic Party in a shambles and undermined all Democratic candidates running for office in Maine then you should have no say in who will be your successor.
“With all of his national endorsers withdrawing their support this already going to be a tough race for any successor but having him looking for a guarantee is only going to tie a lead weight to any nominee.
“Enough is enough.”
Shenna Bellows, Maine secretary of state and former Democratic candidate for governor
“The allegations against Graham Platner are extremely serious, and survivors deserve to be respected and heard. Jenny Racicot was brave to come forward. While Graham ignited a powerful movement to challenge the status quo, given the seriousness of the allegations, he needs to step down.”
David Costello, who was on the Democratic June primary ballot for U.S. Senate
“If Graham Platner is out, then I’m in.”
Mattie Daughtry, Democratic Maine Senate president
“Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and protected. Over the last month, multiple women have come forward with serious allegations against Graham Platner. I stand with each of them and with any survivor who has endured an experience like this. Sexual violence has absolutely no place in our society, and it cannot be tolerated from those seeking our highest positions of power.
“To that end, I am calling on Mr. Platner to withdraw his candidacy immediately. Maine deserves a nominee for U.S. Senate with the dignity, judgment, and personal character this seat deserves.”
Jim Deyermond, chair of the Maine Republican Party
“We’ve known from the beginning that Graham Platner is a scandalous scumbag. The latest news about him sexually assaulting a woman in 2021 is just more proof that he was never fit to represent Maine. He has no integrity and has no respect for women, or anyone for that matter.
“It’s disgusting and shameful that Maine Democrats continue to support him because he’s clearly out-of-control.”
Charlie Dingman, chair of the Maine Democratic Party; Imke Schessler, vice chair; and Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director
“Maine Democratic Party leadership takes seriously our responsibility to hold every candidate who seeks to represent our state to the highest standard.
“Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today’s statements take those allegations even further.
“Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
“The Maine Democratic Party leadership stands with women and survivors, and that principle does not bend based on party affiliation. We respect the women who made the hard decision to come forward. Speaking up is often costly.
“We are entrusted with deciding who represents our values and who carries our banner. That responsibility requires judgment, leadership, and a willingness to act when circumstances demand it.
“This Senate race comes at a pivotal moment in the struggle against a government, supported by Senator Collins, that serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary Maine people. It is essential that we refocus this campaign on that struggle.”
Matt Dunlap, Democratic candidate for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District seat, state auditor and former secretary of state
“The allegations reported today are serious, and they deserve to be treated with the gravity they warrant. As such, I am calling on Graham Platner to withdraw from the race for Senate so we can all come together behind a nominee who can successfully carry the torch in November.”
Ryan Fecteau, Democratic Maine House speaker
“Today’s revelations, on top of months of allegations and controversies, make it clear that Graham’s campaign cannot be successful. Ms. Racicot is brave to come forward and share her experience. It’s horrifying to read, and I’m also sorry she has to do so in the first place, especially in this political environment. The movement that Graham’s candidacy has inspired and helped build is one that has been needed for a long time. Washington is badly broken. Hardworking Mainers need a candidate that we can trust to lead the movement, to defeat Susan Collins, and tilt power away from those who have amassed unbelievable wealth at the expense of the rest of us. In order to carry the movement forward, to give power back to the people, and to defeat Susan Collins in November, I am calling upon Graham to drop out.”
Troy Jackson, former Maine Senate president and Democratic gubernatorial candidate
“There is no place in our politics for sexual violence. Not in our party, not in any party. Graham Platner must withdraw from this race today.
“This is not what we stand for. Not as Democrats, not as Mainers, not as human beings. For too long, women who survive sexual violence have been told to stay quiet, to protect the men who hurt them, to think about the campaign, the party, the cause. We cannot ask women to trust us with their futures while looking the other way when one of our own hurts them. That ends here.
“I believe Jenny Racicot.”
Dan Kelban, Maine Beer Co. founder and former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate
“The sexual assault allegations against Graham Platner are horrifying and completely disqualifying. There is absolutely no room for violence or abuse in our politics or our society.
“For the sake of our state, he needs to step aside immediately. Mainers deserve a Senator who will fight for them against the DC establishment while also doing what’s right.”
Paul LePage, Republican candidate for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District and former governor
“Let’s be clear: Matt Dunlap endorsed Graham Platner, he stood by him when the Nazi tattoo was found, and after it became public he was texting women not long after he was married. He spoke at rallies with him. Now he is trying to flip flop. Just another reason Matt Dunlap can’t be trusted.”
Reagan Paul, Winterport Republican representing District 37 in the Maine House
“If only there had been some mark on him to alert us.”
Chellie Pingree, the Democratic U.S. representative for Maine’s 1st District
“The latest allegations against Graham Platner are extremely serious and deeply disturbing. It takes real courage to come forward with an allegation of this nature, especially in the middle of a high-profile political campaign. Anyone who shares an experience of sexual assault deserves to be taken seriously and respected, not subjected to dismissal, political attacks, or scrutiny that minimizes their account.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations and the profound questions they raise, I do not believe Graham should remain in this race. He should immediately withdraw his campaign for the United States Senate.
“The stakes of this election could not be higher. Mainers deserve a nominee they can trust, a campaign focused on the challenges facing our state and our country, and a Democratic Party that responds to allegations of sexual assault with clarity, compassion, and accountability.
“Graham’s progressive message clearly resonated with many Mainers. Voters want a government that fights for working people, lowers costs, protects health care, and takes on powerful special interests. This election is bigger than any one candidate, and Democrats can and must carry those ideals forward to deliver for Maine.”
Hannah Pingree, Democratic candidate for governor and former Maine House speaker
“These allegations are deeply disturbing. Jenny Racicot is a woman who has shown real courage in sharing her story — what she’s describing is serious, credible and cannot be dismissed.
“For Maine, for the future of control of the US Senate, and because no party should stand behind a candidate facing allegations of assault, Graham Platner should exit the race immediately. Democrats need a nominee who can beat Susan Collins in November. Graham Platner is no longer that candidate.
“Graham Platner tapped into something real — voters hungry for change showed up with real passion and energy. That energy doesn’t have to go away. It needs a new candidate to carry it forward.”
Nirav Shah, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate
“The allegations against [Graham Platner] are appalling and Jenny Racicot is brave for stepping forward. He should withdraw from this race immediately.
“Let’s be clear: [Susan Collins] must be defeated. Mainers deserve better than a senator who expresses concern while rubber-stamping an agenda that guts health care and raises costs. We need Medicare for All and an economy that works for everyone, not just the billionaires rigging the system.
“Graham’s campaign gave voice to real anger and hope across Maine. Democrats must now unite around that shared purpose and defeat Collins once and for all.”
Other political players
Kristen Cianci, spokesperson for the Republican National Committee
“These allegations are horrifying and describe, in clear and graphic detail, something no woman should be forced to experience. The more layers of Graham Platner’s past emerge, the more irrefutable his pattern of violent, disgusting behavior becomes.”
Carlie Fischer, public policy director for the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
“While MECASA does not comment on individual cases, we are firm in our commitment to listen, believe, and support survivors who choose to share their stories. Always.
“It takes tremendous bravery to speak publicly about trauma, particularly when the person who caused that harm is in a position of power or is well-respected in the community. Many survivors weigh significant risks before deciding to share their story, and no one deserves to be doubted or dismissed when they do.
“We are committed to ensuring that survivors know they don’t have to go through it alone. Sexual assault advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support anyone affected by sexual violence—not only survivors, but also friends, family members, partners, and community members who may be struggling with what they’re reading or hearing and want to talk with someone who understands.
“We stand in solidarity with those who share their stories, and we are deeply grateful for their courage.”
Marie Follayttar, executive director of Mainers for Accountable Leadership
“Graham Platner has gifted Maine with listening sessions, town halls and organizing. He has given people like me with disabilities hope that we can serve in public office. He has advanced critical narratives and none of this should be erased. At the same time, with credible complaints of sexual assault and other harmful behavior to women absent accountability and repairs, as well as conscious spaces convened to listen to the women and others who cannot support him as a candidate he should withdraw his candidacy. Given the time frame this is not possible. I am committed to the policies he supports and to defeating Susan Collins. I ask that people respect and support Jenny and other survivors who have come forward and treat these allegations with the seriousness they deserve. Graham has served our country and our state. He can continue to [act] as an organizer but should withdraw as the Democratic Nominee for U.S. Senate. The Maine Democratic party must come up with standards for vetting candidates who seek to run as democrats and ensure this never happens again.”
Lauren French, spokesperson for Senate Majority PAC
“We believe the women who have come forward about Graham Platner, and we stand with the survivors who have shared their experiences at real personal cost. These are serious claims from multiple women, and they raise real questions about Graham Platner’s fitness for office. Having lost the trust of the people of Maine, Platner should withdraw from this Senate race.
“As Democrats, we have an obligation to run candidates whose moral character matches the values we stand for. Maine deserves a nominee who can defeat Susan Collins and serve with honor and dignity, and survivors deserve leaders who take their accounts seriously.
“Senate Majority PAC is redirecting resources away from the Maine Senate race in light of the latest allegations against Graham Platner. We continue to believe this seat is winnable if Platner is not on the ballot, but we cannot strategically continue to invest here when there is an expansive battleground map where these resources can help win a Democratic majority.”
Ruben Gallego, Democratic U.S. senator from Arizona who endorsed Platner
“The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious.
“I am rescinding my endorsement.”
Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO Planned Parenthood Action Fund
“The accusations against Graham Platner are damning and Platner’s failure to address them or Jenny Racicot directly is disqualifying. While Planned Parenthood Action Fund remains committed to protecting access to care for Mainers and all Americans, we also unequivocally believe women. And we are grateful to anyone who has the courage to speak up and share her story.
“Mainers deserve a candidate who has the moral integrity worthy of the office they are seeking. That’s why Planned Parenthood Action Fund moved quickly to rescind its endorsement of Graham Platner.
“The stakes of this election are far too high, and our work to deliver a pro-reproductive rights majority in the Senate and hold Susan Collins accountable continues. The best path forward for Maine is for Graham Platner to end his candidacy and give voters the chance to elect someone who reflects their values politically and personally.”
Ro Khanna, Democratic U.S. representative from California who endorsed Platner
“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.”
Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor
“I believe it’s time for him to drop out of the race.”
Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United
“Today, End Citizens United is rescinding its endorsement of Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner and calling on him to immediately withdraw from the race.
“The allegations reported today are profoundly disturbing and disqualifying. The conduct described is fundamentally inconsistent with the standards we expect from the candidates we support. No candidate, elected official, or political party is exempt from accountability.
“It takes immense bravery to speak out in such a high-profile case, and we offer our full support to Jenny Racicot for sharing her story. We stand in solidarity with her and all the courageous women who have come forward to hold Graham accountable.
“We believe the best path forward for Maine Democrats is to move quickly to nominate a candidate who can earn voters’ trust and who will center their campaign on ethical leadership, accountability, and fighting corruption. The people of Maine deserve a candidate whose commitment to public service and integrity is beyond question and whose campaign can focus on the issues that matter most to them.
“For years, ECU has fought to hold Senator Collins accountable and to challenge the corruption and abuses of power that have harmed our democracy. We have always believed that character matters, integrity matters, and accountability matters. Those principles must be applied equally.”
Maureen O’Toole, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee
“Sexual abuser Graham Platner is a vile human being who has for months displayed a clear pattern of disqualifying behavior. Despite it all, out of touch radical Matt Dunlap has chosen to stand by him. Dunlap’s support for this horrible man is disgusting, and it won’t go unnoticed by Mainers.”
Our Revolution, an organization founded by independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who endorsed Platner
“We were proud to endorse Graham Platner’s campaign. It engaged thousands of working people in Maine around a simple idea: that Maine’s Senate seat should belong to its people, not corporate donors. Medicare for All. An end to corporate money in our politics. An end to handing this country’s leaders a blank check for forever wars. And a Democratic Party that actually answers to the people it claims to represent, not the donors who fund it. That was never really about one candidate. It was about what Mainers ultimately wanted and deserved: a Senate seat that answers to them.
“Everyone deserves a fair and open process, and Graham Platner is entitled to due process like anyone else. But the allegations against him are credible, and at this point they are too serious to treat as a distraction from the campaign or the issues. Sexual violence is a red line. We are withdrawing our endorsement and calling on him to withdraw from this race.
“To the Democratic establishment: this is not your opening. Mainers did not vote by an overwhelming margin against Janet Mills and the DSCC’s handpicked candidate just to be handed another status-quo candidate. They deserve what they voted for. Whoever leads this movement forward must be someone who has actually lived the fight Graham Platner ran on: a record with working people, with unions, against corporate money, already tested and trusted by the same base that delivered this result. Maine has that leader already in this race. The movement will settle for nothing less, because that is what Mainers deserve.”
Bernie Sanders, independent U.S. senator from Vermont who endorsed Platner
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic leader, and Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
“The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable.
“Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins. The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”
Elizabeth Warren, U.S. senator from Massachusetts who endorsed Platner
“Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault. Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”
Correction: An earlier version of this report misspelled Zohran Mamdani’s first name.