A Democratic rising star has halted his campaign for one of America’s most closely watched Senate races after a sexual assault allegation triggered a wave of political defections, threatening the party’s hopes of flipping a key Republican seat.
Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign in Maine after a woman accused him of sexual assault, a dramatic development that has reshaped one of the most important races ahead of the US midterm elections.
Platner announced the decision in an 11-minute video posted on X, insisting he was not admitting wrongdoing but accusing Democratic leaders of abandoning his campaign before any investigation had taken place.
“We’re suspending campaign operations,” Platner said, adding that he would formally withdraw only after a replacement candidate is chosen through what he called an “open, transparent and democratic” process.
He described the allegation as “false”, saying he had become the target of a political and media rush to judgment.
“The worst thing that a person could do… it was not remotely true,” he said.
Under Maine law, Platner must officially withdraw by 13 July for Democrats to place another candidate on the November ballot.
His exit creates a major challenge for Democrats, who view Maine as one of their best opportunities to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins and improve their chances of regaining control of the US Senate.
To achieve that goal, Democrats would need to win Collins’ seat, defend all of their current seats and capture several additional Republican-held seats nationwide.
Allegation triggers rapid political fallout
The political fallout was swift after Jenny Racicot, 41, accused Platner of entering her Maine home without permission and sexually assaulting her following an on-and-off relationship that lasted more than two years.
SEE ALSO: Maine Democrats Reject Graham Platner’s Push to Select His Own Senate Replacement
According to her account, Platner was heavily intoxicated during the alleged incident.
Racicot said she ended all contact with him after telling him the encounter was not consensual.
Within hours of the allegation becoming public, several high-profile Democrats withdrew their support.
Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Ruben Gallego and Martin Heinrich, along with Representative Ro Khanna, distanced themselves from Platner’s campaign.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) also ended its financial backing, while the Maine Democratic Party withdrew its support.
Campaign already facing mounting controversies
The assault allegation capped months of growing controversy surrounding Platner’s campaign.
Last year, reports surfaced that he had previously worn a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Platner said he received it while drinking with fellow Marines during a trip to Croatia in 2007 and later covered it.
Old Reddit posts also resurfaced in which he suggested victims of sexual assault should take greater responsibility for avoiding dangerous situations. He later apologised and asked voters for forgiveness.
In June, The New York Times reported that Platner had exchanged sexual messages with multiple women while married. He acknowledged the report was accurate.
The newspaper later published interviews with former girlfriends who accused him of angry and erratic behaviour, further intensifying scrutiny of his candidacy.
Democrats move to find a replacement
The Maine Democratic Party has announced it will hold a special convention within the next two weeks to select a new Senate nominee.
Party leaders say the goal is to preserve the enthusiasm generated during Platner’s campaign while quickly uniting behind a candidate capable of challenging Collins.
“We look forward to coming together and harnessing that energy around our new nominee,” the party said in a statement.
Several prominent Democrats have already expressed interest in entering the race.
Potential contenders include economist Nirav Shah, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, businessman Dan Kleban, and former state senator Troy Jackson.
Meanwhile, actor Patrick Dempsey, whose name had circulated in political speculation, ruled out a Senate bid, saying he believes he can contribute more outside elected office.
It also remains unclear whether Maine Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her own campaign after Platner surged in the Democratic primary, will reconsider entering the race.
Platner officially secured the Democratic nomination on 9 June, powered by his outsider image, military background and populist message that resonated with voters frustrated by the political establishment.
His sudden withdrawal now leaves Democrats scrambling to reorganise just months before an election that could determine control of the US Senate.
