Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sex assault claim
Platner said the allegations made it impossible to keep campaigning, and Maine Democrats began planning a replacement nominee before a July 27 deadline.
- Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine Senate race on Wednesday following reports detailing sexual assault allegations, ending a campaign that won the June primary with more than 156,000 votes.
- On Monday, Politico published a report detailing sexual assault allegations from 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who claimed Platner forced himself on her while intoxicated in late 2021.
- Racicot also discussed the allegations with CNN's chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper during Monday evening's episode of "The Lead with Jake Tapper," amplifying the accusations before party leaders called for Platner's exit.
- The Maine Democratic State Committee held an emergency meeting Wednesday, where State Rep. Valli Geiger indicated Platner is supporting her to replace him on the ballot.
166 Articles
166 Articles
Radio France Internationale
Democrat accused of rape exits key US Senate race
Platner, a Marine veteran, oysterman and political newcomer, won last month's Democratic primary in the northeastern state of Maine to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in November's midterm elections. His withdrawal gives Maine Democrats only days to regroup in a race central to the party's hopes of regaining control of the US Senate. "We are suspending campaign operations," Platner said in a video posted on X. "This is incredibly difficult…
Platner suspends Senate campaign, forcing Democrats to pivot in crucial Maine race
Many Democrats had already questioned Platner's fitness for office before Politico reported on Monday that a woman accused him of forcing her to have sex with him nearly five years ago.
Democrats consider the state of Maine an important piece in their goal of gaining a majority in the Senate in the midterm elections later this year.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
