Graham Platner Suspends Senate Campaign After Sexual Assault Allegations

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine who won a record-breaking primary on June 9, suspended his campaign after a Politico article published credible accusations of sexual assault. The accuser, Jenny Racicot, detailed the alleged incident in interviews, with corroborating evidence including emails with her therapist. Platner denied the allegations but paused his campaign, leading to a swift withdrawal of support from key figures including Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and Ro Khanna. The Maine Democratic Party is now considering replacements, with potential candidates including former state Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former CDC director Nirav Shah. The scandal has sparked debate about the role of dark money groups like Reckoning Action, which connected Racicot to Politico, and the influence of establishment donors. Platner's campaign had raised over $500,000 in its first four days and was backed by progressive operatives Daniel Moraff and Leanne Fan. The July 13 ballot-substitution deadline looms, after which the party selects the replacement.