Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner says he is “reflecting on the best path forward” after sexual assault allegation report

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine, said Monday that “we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” in a video posted shortly after Politico published a report containing allegations of sexual assault against him.

In the statement, Platner addressed what he described as “troubling, serious and false allegations against me.” The Hill reported that Platner said any accusation of non-consensual behavior is “categorically false,” and said he wanted “to directly address” the claims.

Politico’s report, as described by The Hill, included allegations from a woman Platner previously dated, identifying her as Jenny Racicot. The Hill reported that Racicot told Politico that Platner forced her to have sex with him while he was intoxicated in 2021.

The Hill also reported that its newsroom had not independently verified the allegations, and that the Platner campaign did not respond to The Hill’s request for comment regarding Politico’s story. Other outlets that later covered the incident similarly described Platner’s denial and his decision to reassess his campaign’s next steps, according to their reporting.

In his video, Platner emphasized what he described as the “inaccuracy of the reporting” while acknowledging that the allegation had the potential to affect his effort to win the seat. The Hill reported that Platner linked the reflection to his stated focus on “the people that I love,” the “movement,” and defeating Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.

The timing of the response is notable because the statement was delivered on the same day as the Politico report. Platner’s message did not cite any specific legal or administrative action, such as a request for investigation, a lawsuit, or a statement about whether he would step aside from the race, according to The Hill’s account.

As the dispute continues to draw coverage across national and local outlets, the next developments may include additional responses from the campaign, any clarification from the reporting outlet, and whether the allegation triggers changes to campaign conduct, staffing, or scheduling. Under U.S. election law, challengers and incumbents generally continue to appear on ballots unless they withdraw, are removed through legal processes, or face specific eligibility determinations.