Blue Hill, Maine — Graham Platner suspended his Maine U.S. Senate campaign Wednesday after a sexual assault allegation led major Democratic allies to withdraw support.
Platner announced in a social media video that his campaign was ending, while denying that the decision was an admission of guilt. He said the “movement” should continue without him. Politico reported Monday that Jenny Racicot, a woman who previously dated Platner, accused him of entering her home intoxicated in 2021 and sexually assaulting her. Platner denied the allegation, saying, “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.”
The allegation followed earlier controversies involving offensive Reddit posts, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and reports about past behavior toward women. NPR reported that Democrats who had previously stayed with Platner moved quickly after the Politico story, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
The Associated Press reported that Platner’s withdrawal gives Maine Democrats a short window to name a replacement nominee before a July 27 deadline. The seat is a key Senate race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and Democrats need to net four seats to regain the majority. Reuters reported Platner plans to formally withdraw from the ballot.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
