Senator Bernie Sanders, formerly a key supporter of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, has reportedly called for Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race. This shift in stance comes after Politico published allegations from Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine woman, who accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in 2021. Racicot described the incident as Platner grabbing her pelvis and being "really forceful," stating, "This is no longer my choice."
Platner, a progressive newcomer, has denied the allegations, calling any accusation of non-consensual behavior "categorically false." However, he indicated that he is considering his "next steps" and reflecting on the "best path forward." Despite his denial, a growing number of prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, have urged Platner to drop out. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has also stated that it will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.
Historically, Sanders had been a staunch defender of Platner. Just recently, Sanders stood by Platner amidst reports of sexually explicit text messages with multiple women while married, emphasizing the need to focus on "important issues facing the working families of Maine and this country" rather than "gossip." At that time, Sanders had unequivocally backed Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran, to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins. That earlier controversy also saw Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, defending him in a video.
Maine's Democratic Party leaders have also officially called on Platner to withdraw. Under Maine law, Platner has until July 13 to withdraw, after which the state party would have two weeks to choose a replacement nominee. The deadline for naming a replacement is July 27. The controversy has plunged a key Senate race, where Democrats hope to gain control of the chamber, into disarray just four months before Election Day.
