Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairwoman Kirsten Gillibrand called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race on July 8, 2026, after he was accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot. In a statement, Schumer and Gillibrand described the allegations as disturbing and stated that violence and sexual assault are unacceptable. They emphasized the need for Platner to step down to allow Maine Democrats to select a new candidate capable of defeating incumbent Senator Susan Collins.
Racicot alleged that Platner raped her five years ago, and she claimed he apologized during the incident. The senators warned that the Democratic campaign and fundraising arm would not support the Maine Senate race if Platner remained a candidate. Previously, both Schumer and Gillibrand had endorsed Platner's opponent, Maine Governor Janet Mills, before she exited the primary race. Platner had received support from the DSCC and Schumer after meeting with Senate Democrats, despite earlier reports detailing suggestive texts he sent to multiple women and allegations of physical and mental abuse from former partners.
In response to the allegations, Platner stated that they were false but indicated he would take time to consider his next steps.