Democrats begin pulling support for Platner after sexual assault allegation

A couple of prominent Democrats pulled their support for Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday after a woman he formerly dated accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021.

Reports of the accusation surfaced earlier Monday, prompting the Democrat to announce he was taking the time to "reflect" on his candidacy. He did not formally suspend his campaign and he has denied the allegations.

Despite the denial, California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego withdrew their endorsements for Platner, and Khanna urged the candidate to drop out of the race.

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

Gallego said the allegations are "troubling and deeply serious," and he is therefore rescinding his endorsement as well.  

The scandal comes after 41-year-old Jenny Racicot spoke to Politico, in which she detailed the alleged conduct. Racicot alleges that she maintained an intermittent relationship with Platner and that he arrived at her home one evening in 2021 intoxicated, where he allegedly forced her to have sex with him.

Platner's campaign has also been challenged by reports of toxic behavior toward ex-girlfriends and a history of sexually explicit texts sent to women early in his marriage.

The new accusations come the same day that Platner canceled several campaign events. He defeated Gov. Janet Mills for the nomination but can still drop out and be replaced by another candidate if he does so by July 13. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.