Graham Platner Denies Rape Allegation as Democratic Endorsements Vanish

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is considering his political future after a woman accused him of raping her, nearly five years ago, an allegation he denies.

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is weighing whether to stay in the race after a woman came forward with a rape allegation against him, a claim he firmly denies. The fallout has already cost him support from prominent Democrats and party leadership in his home state.

According to CNN, a woman named Jenny Racicot told both CNN and Politico that Platner raped her nearly five years ago while heavily intoxicated, during a period when the two were casually dating. The New York Post identified her as Platner’s ex-girlfriend and reported that she said he showed up drunk and broke into her home before the assault occurred.

Platner responded with a two-minute video posted directly to social media, calling the claims “troubling, serious and false,” according to CNN. He was direct in his denial. “Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false,” he said in the video.

Platner didn’t shy away from acknowledging the political stakes in his video statement. He admitted the controversy could hurt his chances against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, a race Democrats view as essential to flipping the four seats they need to take control of the Senate this November.

“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to 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,” Platner said.

Gallego didn’t mince words in his post on X. “The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious. I am rescinding my endorsement,” he wrote.

Khanna’s statement carried extra weight given his earlier position. The New York Post noted that Khanna had continued supporting Platner even after the New York Times reported last month that several of his former partners described suffering physical and emotional abuse at his hands. That backing has now ended.

“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” Khanna wrote on X. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.”

With the withdrawal deadline approaching fast and support eroding from multiple directions, Platner now faces a decision that could reshape one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.