Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine, a decision announced Wednesday via social media, following a serious rape allegation that prompted widespread withdrawal of support from his Democratic allies.
Platner stated in a video, “We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me. And for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations.” He emphasized that the decision was not an admission of guilt but a response to the “structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.” This move comes after a Politico report detailed an allegation by Jenny Racicot, who claims Platner entered her home intoxicated and without permission in 2021 and sexually assaulted her. Platner has categorically denied any non-consensual behavior.
The campaign had previously weathered multiple controversies, including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, deleted offensive Reddit posts, and allegations of sending sexually explicit messages. However, the rape allegation marked a critical turning point. Racicot had previously been featured in a New York Times report about women who characterized Platner’s behavior as “unsettling,” though she did not detail the assault in that account. She later spoke to CNN about the alleged assault and her initial reluctance to come forward.
In the immediate aftermath of the Politico story, Platner expressed uncertainty about his campaign’s future, stating he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” This led to numerous Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, rescinding their endorsements. Senator Bernie Sanders also withdrew his support, and the Maine Democratic Party called for Platner to exit the race.
The final blow to Platner’s campaign came when the campaign arm for Senate Democrats declared they would not invest in the race if he remained the nominee. Facing increasing pressure and a ticking clock under state election rules, which require withdrawal by Monday, July 13, for a new nominee to be chosen before the July 27 deadline, Platner’s campaign has effectively ended.
Democrats had seen the Maine Senate race as a key opportunity to regain the majority, needing to flip at least four seats nationwide. The state’s potential to turn blue was considered crucial, with President Trump having lost Maine in 2024. “It is virtually impossible to see a path for Senate Democrats back to the majority if they do not flip Maine,” noted Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors editor at Cook Political Report.
The Maine Democratic Party announced it held a meeting with over 100 members who voted to hold a nominating convention to select a new candidate if a vacancy arises. The party expressed optimism about harnessing the energy of Platner’s former supporters around a new nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Susan Collins in November.
With Platner out, several figures are emerging as potential successors. These include Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former head of the Maine CDC Nirav Shah, and former state Senate President Troy Jackson, whose campaign has filed paperwork with the FEC. Taylor suggested Jackson possesses a populist appeal but noted his ties to Platner could be a hurdle. Shah is evaluating a run and has called for televised debates and town halls, though his past voting in Georgia could be a challenge. Bellows, who lost to Collins by 37 points in 2014, is also considered a contender.
Another potential candidate is Dan Kleban, owner of Maine Beer Company, who briefly ran for Senate last year. Taylor commented that “virtually any Democrat that does not have as substantial baggage as Platner represents a much better chance against Susan Collins,” adding that a new nominee would allow the race to refocus on Collins herself.
An empty stage is seen at a Graham Platner campaign event on June 9, 2026 in Blue Hill, Maine. CJ Gunther/Getty Images hide caption
"This is incredibly difficult because I know that some will think it's an admission of guilt, and it most certainly is not," he continued. "We're not doing it because of the allegations. We're doing it because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power."
