Democratic Leaders Urge Graham Platner to Withdraw from Senate Race

Prominent figures in the Democratic Party, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders, have called for Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner to withdraw from the race following allegations of sexual assault made by an ex-girlfriend. The allegations were reported by Politico, where Jenny Racicot stated that Platner assaulted her in late 2021 after she had expressed her unwillingness to have company. Racicot described the incident, claiming Platner entered her home without consent and forced her to have sex despite her objections. Platner has denied the allegations, stating they are false. In light of the serious nature of the accusations, Sanders advised Platner to step aside, emphasizing the need for a focus on Maine's best interests. Mamdani echoed this sentiment, stating that ending Platner's campaign is the only appropriate response to the allegations. The Democratic Party's Senate campaign has also withdrawn its financial support for Platner, complicating his position as the deadline to replace him approaches. Potential candidates to replace Platner include former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah, the director of the Maine CDC.