Sanders, Warren call for Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race after latest allegation
Local Democrats are among those calling on Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out of the race following a new allegation from a woman who previously dated him who said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop.
Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn’t consensual.
Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign.
On Tuesday afternoon, The Washington Post published a new accusation from Lyndsey Fifield, a former girlfriend who’s previously alleged misconduct from Platner, in which she said he had surreptitiously and consensually removed protection while they were having sex.
Platner’s campaign denied the allegation, which the newspaper confirmed that Fifield had told a friend about at the time. Fifield initially told the Post about the alleged condom removal off the record for an earlier report, but decided to speak out about it now in part to show that Racicot was not alone in her experience, according to the report.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of Platner’s earliest and most fervent backers, issued a statement shortly after noon Tuesday calling on Platner to bow out of the race.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” Sanders said.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who had campaigned with Platner and supported his bid, was among those who issued statements Monday calling on him to drop out of the race.
“Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” Warren said. “Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, who had said she would back Platner in a November general election against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, changed her mind after watching Racicot’s CNN interview on Monday night.
“Graham Platner should get out of this race now. He should have already,” she said.
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey offered similar thoughts in a social media post, saying “The allegations reported against Graham Platner are deeply disturbing and must be taken seriously. I cannot support his candidacy.”
Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton, who is running against Markey for Senate, also called on Platner to drop out.
“Jenny Racicot chose truth over political convenience, despite deeply believing in the progressive goals Graham Platner espoused,” he said. “Her account must be believed and respected, and we must honor her courage.”
“It is so important to listen to, and believe survivors,” Massachusetts Congresswoman Tram Nguyen said. “If we are to be the party that supports those who come forward and call for accountability, it must be for both Republicans and Democrats. I cannot support any candidate with such allegations against them and call for Platner to drop out immediately.”
New Hampshire Congressman and Senate candidate Chris Pappas called the allegations against Platner “reprehensible,” and said he must step aside.
New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen also weighed in, saying Platner “must end his campaign immediately.”
Rhode Island Congressman Seth Magaziner called the allegations “credible and appalling,” and said Platner should withdraw and the Maine Democratic Party should nominate a candidate “who is vetted and experienced to represent Maine in the Senate.”
Fellow Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo said Platner “must immediately withdraw as a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine” in light of the latest allegations.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee’s campaign team also put out a statement calling the allegations against Platner “deeply disturbing,” and calling on Platner to step down.
Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the sexual assault allegation “serious, credible, and disqualifying.” He said Platner should “withdraw immediately. The sooner, the better,” and added that there is “no way he can continue his candidacy credibly.”
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont agreed, saying he thinks Platner should “step aside.”
Hannah Pingree, the Democratic nominee for Maine governor, also weighed in.
“For Maine, for the future of control of the US Senate, and because no party should stand behind a candidate facing allegations of assault, Graham Platner should exit the race immediately,” she said. “Democrats need a nominee who can beat Susan Collins in November. Graham Platner is no longer that candidate.”
Collins issued only a brief statement.
“These allegations are appalling,” she said. “Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate.”
State law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13. The replacement candidate must be named by July 27.
As of Monday, Platner had canceled a handful of campaign town halls planned in Maine but he was said to still be undecided on Tuesday morning about whether to drop out of the race.
Chatter has already begun to circulate about other possible replacements, including former state senator and logger Troy Jackson and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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