Maine Democratic Senate Candidate Suspends Campaign Amid Sexual Assault Allegation

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual assault, according to a report by The Guardian.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has announced the suspension of his campaign. (Photo: Graham Platner)

Platner announced the decision in an 11-minute video posted on social media, accusing Democratic Party leaders and the news media of undermining his campaign.

"They are using these allegations to take away all of the things we need to run a campaign," Platner said, adding that they had acted as "judge, jury and executioner."

"For the movement to continue, it can't be me," he said. "For that reason, we are suspending campaign operations."

Platner denied the allegations, insisting they were "not remotely true" and claiming they were driven by powerful interests working against him.

His campaign had gained momentum after raising millions of dollars and receiving endorsements from progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders. His primary opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, had previously suspended her own campaign.

Platner has faced scrutiny since entering the Senate race over past relationships, social media posts, and a tattoo that reportedly featured a Nazi symbol before it was removed.

The latest controversy followed allegations by Jenny Racicot, who told Politico that Platner sexually assaulted her in late 2021 after entering her home while intoxicated.

Racicot said the alleged assault ended their on-and-off relationship of more than two years.