Democrats Abandon Senate Candidate After Rape Allegation Sends Campaign Into Free Fall

Democrats across the political spectrum rapidly abandoned Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday after a woman accused him of rape, prompting a wave of withdrawn endorsements and calls for him to immediately suspend his campaign.

The allegation came from Jenny Racicot, 41, who told both Politico and CNN that Platner entered her home uninvited nearly five years ago while intoxicated and forced himself on her despite repeated attempts to stop him.

Racicot, who had been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Platner at the time, said she immediately ended the relationship after what she described as non-consensual, unprotected sex.

Platner has categorically denied the accusation, calling her account false and saying he is taking time to consider the future of his campaign.

His supporters, however, didn’t appear interested in waiting.

Within hours, some of the Democratic Party’s biggest names—including Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Ro Khanna, Martin Heinrich, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly, and Elissa Slotkin—either withdrew their endorsements or publicly urged Platner to step aside.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee announced it would not spend money on the Maine race as long as Platner remained the nominee, while the Senate Majority PAC also indicated it would redirect campaign resources elsewhere.

The speed of the political collapse was striking.

Just weeks earlier, many of these same Democrats had enthusiastically backed Platner after he captured the party’s nomination, praising him as their best chance to defeat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Now they appear to be searching for the nearest emergency exit.

The latest accusation also follows earlier controversy surrounding Platner. In June, a former girlfriend accused him of abusive behavior, allegations he denied while insisting they were politically motivated. He also faced criticism over a tattoo that critics linked to Nazi symbolism, another controversy he has repeatedly dismissed.

With a July 13 deadline rapidly approaching, Democratic leaders are hoping Platner voluntarily withdraws so the party can nominate someone else before ballots are finalized.

Should he refuse, Democrats could find one of their best pickup opportunities in November consumed by a candidate many of their own leaders no longer support.

The message from party leadership was remarkably unified.

Only a few weeks ago it was:

“Congratulations on winning the primary.”

Now it’s become:

“Please leave before Tuesday.”