Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing a new sexual assault allegation that threatens to upend his campaign just days before a critical deadline that could determine whether the party can replace him on the general election ballot. The accusation, reported by Politico on Monday, comes from Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, who said Platner forced her to have sex against her will five years ago. Platner has denied the claim, calling it «categorically untrue» in a statement to the outlet.
Racicot told Politico over three interviews that the incident occurred while Platner was «almost blackout drunk.» She described a moment when she realized the encounter was no longer consensual. «I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,» she said. «I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’» The report also noted that a man Racicot dated after the alleged incident confirmed she had told him about it, and that emails between Racicot and her therapist corroborated her account.
Racicot said she struggled with coming forward because she supported Platner's political views. «I just want the truth out there,» she said. «I just want people to have a whole scope of who he is as a person.» Platner, in a video posted on X after the story broke, reiterated his denial and said he would «reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins.»
The allegation adds to a series of controversies that have dogged Platner since he launched his campaign, including infidelity, alleged physical abuse of an ex-girlfriend, a Nazi-linked tattoo, disparaging comments about the military, referring to himself as a «communist,» and a variety of inflammatory posts on a deleted Reddit account. Despite these issues, recent polls had shown Platner leading incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, though a Fox News poll published last week gave Collins a small advantage, with more than half of respondents saying Platner lacks the judgment to serve as a U.S. senator.
The timing of the allegation is particularly significant because of a key deadline under Maine law. If Platner formally withdraws as the Democratic nominee by 5 p.m. on July 13, the Maine Democratic Party can replace him on the general election ballot by selecting a new nominee through its party process, with the replacement required to be chosen by July 27. If he remains the nominee past that deadline, the party generally loses its ability to substitute another candidate through the normal replacement process, except in limited circumstances defined under state law.
Speculation about Platner's future had already been swirling over the weekend after several of his campaign events were canceled without official explanation. Multiple town halls scheduled for the Fourth of July holiday weekend and Monday were called off, with one organizer saying Platner was «not feeling well.» Conservative outlets and pundits seized on the cancellations, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee posting on X: «Graham Platner no-showed Fourth of July celebrations across Maine. Now, he's canceling everything else. We wouldn't want to be seen in public either…» The Washington Reporter also posted that a «well-placed source» told them Platner would drop out this week.
Online prediction markets reflected the uncertainty, with bets on Polymarket surging over the weekend that Platner would drop out before the midterms. A Platner campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the allegations are «very serious» and that Platner «vigorously denies them,» adding that they are «coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives.» The spokesperson said: «For a year, opponents of this campaign have thrown everything they can at Graham –– calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of it has been true and this is no different.»
The controversy comes at a pivotal moment in the race for Maine's Senate seat, which is considered crucial for control of the chamber. Collins, a moderate Republican, is seeking a fifth term, and Democrats view the seat as a key pickup opportunity. Platner, a progressive who defeated a more moderate primary rival, had been seen as a strong challenger despite the controversies. However, the new allegation and the looming deadline could force the party to make a difficult decision about whether to replace him.
Racicot said she decided to come forward now because she wanted voters to have a complete picture of Platner's character. «I just want the truth out there,» she said. Platner, in his video statement, acknowledged the political reality the allegation creates but stopped short of announcing his withdrawal. «Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,» he said.
