Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, is having what experts might call "the worst week of his entire life" and possibly the worst campaign implosion since that guy who screamed too enthusiastically in Iowa.
As Trending Politics reported, Platner is reportedly weighing whether to drop out of the race entirely after a bombshell Politico report detailed allegations of sexual assault from Jenny Racicot, a Maine woman who previously dated Platner. According to the report, Racicot stated that in late 2021, Platner entered her home without authorization while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections.
Platner denied the allegations, saying, "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue." His campaign went further, describing the claims as "coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives." The campaign also helpfully reminded everyone that opponents had previously accused Platner of being "a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist," which is quite the resume if you are trying to collect the full set of terrible things to be called.
Speaking of Nazis, this was not even the first controversy of Platner's campaign. He had already been in hot water over a chest tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol (which he said he did not recognize as such), descriptions from former romantic partners about his behavior during heavy drinking (which he acknowledged made him "a far from perfect boyfriend" during a "very dark period"), and deleted Reddit posts where he commented on sexual assault victims taking responsibility for their actions. So basically a greatest hits compilation of disqualifying scandals, all rolled into one guy.
The Democratic Party reacted to the Politico report with the speed of people running from a building that is actively on fire. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Platner to "immediately" end his campaign. The DSCC stated it "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot." Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ruben Gallego, and Elissa Slotkin all called for his withdrawal, along with Rep. Ro Khanna. The Maine Democratic Party itself issued a statement calling on Platner to withdraw as the nominee.
Platner, who won the nomination last month after a primary contest with Governor Janet Mills, released a video statement that was somehow both a farewell and a refusal to leave at the same time. He said he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" while also declaring he would "use every tool at our disposal" to defeat Senator Susan Collins. Collins, for her part, is probably just sitting quietly and enjoying the show.
Under Maine election law, Platner has until 5 p.m. on July 13, 2026, to withdraw and allow the party to select a replacement by July 27. As of the latest reporting, Platner has not issued a definitive statement on his candidacy. The clock is ticking, the endorsements are gone, and the party has essentially changed the locks.
Read more breaking news stories at: Trending Politics News
