AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine and national Democratic leaders called Monday for Graham Platner to withdraw as the party’s U.S. Senate nominee, the first time they have formally broken with him over a string of allegations that have dogged his campaign.
The extraordinary step came hours after Politico reported that a Maine woman accused Platner of forcing her to have sex with him in 2021 despite her repeated objections. Platner has denied the allegation, which built on allegations of “toxic” behavior from several women who dated Platner that were reported last month by The New York Times.
“Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate,” party Chair Charlie Dingman, Vice Chair Imke Schessler and Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a joint statement.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, followed with a statement saying “there can no tolerance for sexual assault” and Platner must step aside. The Senate Democratic Campaign Committee, led Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, issued a statement later in the evening saying it would not invest in the race if Platner remains.
Warren endorsed Platner in March as a key backer after a string of controversies rocked his campaign in October. Schumer and Senate Democrats embraced him after he locked down the nomination but backed Gov. Janet Mills during her campaign for the nomiation.
Jenny Racicot, who said she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, told Politico he entered her home while drunk in 2021 and had sex with her despite her telling him to stop. She said she cut off contact with him afterward and told him the encounter was not consensual.
Platner denied the allegation in a video posted to social media Monday, though he opened the door to leaving the race.
“Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false,” Platner said. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.”
The allegation also triggered a wave of defections among Platner’s national backers. U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, who had stood by Platner through earlier controversies, withdrew his endorsement Monday. U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, also pulled his endorsement Monday, as did the Democratic-leaning group End Citizens United.
“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” Khanna said. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.”
Platner won the June 9 primary with about 72% of votes, defeating Gov. Janet Mills in the largest turnout in Maine Democratic primary history. Mills, who had the backing of national party leadership before dropping her own bid, has not endorsed Platner since leaving the race.
Hasan Piker, a leftist streamer who had backed Platner, reversed his position during a livestream on Twitch Monday.
“This is a clear-cut instance of verifiable sexual assault allegations. It’s completely irredeemable,” Piker said, adding that he would revisit his view if new evidence emerged.
Platner has faced a string of controversies since launching his campaign last August, including a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, a history of inflammatory social media posts and reports that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with other women shortly after his marriage.
Under Maine law, Platner can be replaced on the ballot only if he withdraws by July 13. The Maine Democratic Party would then have until July 27 to name a new nominee.
Speculation has already begun over potential replacements, including former state Senate President Troy Jackson and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who both lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary to former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.