Democratic backers withdraw endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after sexual assault allegation report

Key Democratic figures pulled their endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after multiple news outlets reported a new sexual assault allegation involving a woman who said she previously dated him. The announcement followed reporting that described alleged non-consensual conduct from a relationship period that Platner’s campaign has disputed.

According to Zero Hedge, which cited Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) withdrew his endorsement of Platner shortly after Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) did the same. The endorsements are part of a broader Democratic attempt to retain or gain a Senate seat, and the withdrawals reduced high-profile party backing amid a rapidly changing dispute.

The allegation described in coverage was reported by Politico and relayed by NBC4 Washington. NBC4 Washington reported that Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while she said he was drunk and assaulted her after she told him to stop. NBC4 Washington also reported that Platner’s campaign did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment.

Multiple outlets also reported Platner’s response. NPR reported that Platner denied the allegation and said he was assessing next steps. NBC4 Washington reported that Platner said “any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false,” and that he would consider next steps for his campaign.

Zero Hedge said the “plans reflect best path forward” language was attributed to Platner, and NBC4 Washington described a video statement in which he said he was taking time “to reflect on the best path forward,” while disputing the report. Forbes also reported that Platner indicated he was evaluating options after the new allegation was public.

The endorsement withdrawals raise practical questions for the campaign and for party leaders trying to manage candidate risk in the closing period of the election cycle. Public endorsements by sitting members of Congress can affect donor enthusiasm, volunteer support, and the political space available for coordinated party messaging while allegations remain contested and under dispute.

For now, the record remains defined by allegations reported by other media and Platner’s denial, along with statements from Democratic lawmakers describing their decision to withdraw support. Additional developments will likely depend on whether further documentation emerges, whether the campaign produces responses to specific claims, and whether more endorsements follow.

The incident also sits within the wider context of earlier controversies and coverage around Platner, as reflected in prior reporting summarized by outlets in the research record. As the endorsement landscape shifts, the campaign’s next steps, including any decision about staffing, messaging, or potential withdrawal, remains central to how parties reassess their support.