Democrats Withdraw Support for Platner Amid Assault Allegations

WHO:

AP News - Graham Platner, Maine Democratic Senate candidate; Jenny Racicot, woman alleging assault; Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee; Chuck Schumer, top Senate Democrat; Rep. Ro Khanna, California Democrat; Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego; Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren; Charlie Dingman, Maine Democratic Party chair; Hasan Piker, leftist commentator; Our Revolution, a progressive organization.

WHAT:

AP News - A woman alleged that Graham Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop.

AP News - Platner denied the allegation and stated he would consider next steps for his campaign.

AP News - Platner won the Democratic nomination last month to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

AP News - The main campaign arm of Senate Democrats called for Platner to drop out and stated it would not spend money on the race if he remained the nominee.

AP News - State law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with a replacement candidate to be named by July 27.

Fox News - Endorsements from Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and dozens of Democrats were withdrawn from Platner.

WHERE:

AP News - Maine, where the Senate race is taking place.

WHEN:

AP News - The deadline for Platner to withdraw from the ballot is July 13; the replacement candidate must be named by July 27.

WHY:

AP News - The allegations against Platner led to prominent supporters withdrawing their endorsements, creating turmoil in a critical Senate race for the Democratic Party.

AP News - Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer stated that Platner should withdraw to allow Maine Democrats to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins.

HOW:

AP News - Platner released a video on social media addressing the allegations and reflecting on the political reality of the situation.

(UPDATED July 7, 2026 11:52 UTC)

Graham Platner, the Maine Democratic Senate candidate, is facing serious allegations after a woman claimed he drunkenly forced her to have sex despite her objections, which he has denied while considering his next steps in the campaign. Following these allegations, prominent endorsements from figures like Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer have been withdrawn, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has urged Platner to step down, stating they won't support his campaign if he remains the nominee. State law allows him to withdraw from the ballot by July 13, with a replacement candidate to be named by July 27, as party leaders emphasize the need for a new candidate who can effectively challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.