US Democrat Platner exits key Senate race after rape claim

Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign in the US state of Maine, upending a race that Democrats view as one of their best chances to gain a US Senate seat.

The move came after Politico reported that Jenny Racicot, who previously dated Platner, accused him of raping her in 2021.

The allegation prompted several prominent Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, to withdraw their support for Platner.

Platner denied the allegation in a video posted on social media on Wednesday, but said he would step aside from the race.

Who is Graham Platner?

Platner, an oysterman and military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, ran as a political outsider with a message focused on economic inequality and frustration directed at establishment politicians.

His populist message energized progressives in Maine, and helped him defeat Maine Governor Janet Mills, the candidate favored by the Democratic establishment, in a June primary. 

But his rise came despite a series of controversies: media reports highlighted old Reddit posts where he appeared to endorse political violence, as well as a "Totenkopf," or skull-and-crossbones tattoo, on his chest. The symbol is widely associated with Nazi aesthetics. 

Platner apologized for the posts and said he was unaware of the meaning of his tattoo, saying he got it years ago while intoxicated during military leave.

Supporters largely overlooked those issues as Platner spoke openly about his battles with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and alcohol abuse following his military service.

But on Monday, allegations surfaced that in 2021, while Graham and Racicot were dating, Graham had come into her house without permission and raped her while he was drunk. 

In an interview with CNN, Racicot said that "this is something that I tried for many years to forget."

Why does the Maine Senate race matter?

Maine is considered one of Democrats' strongest opportunities to flip a Republican-held Senate seat in the November midterm elections.

Recent polls show that Democrats have a shot at winning a Senate majority, which would allow them to more forecefully obstruct President Donald Trump's agenda.

Maine, the only state that voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 but is still represented by a Republican in the Senate — Senator Susan Collins — is a must-win state for Democrats.

Collins has cultivated a moderate image and occasionally broken with Trump, though Democrats say she still has largely supported the president's agenda.

 

What happens next?

Maine Democratic leaders said they plan to hold a convention before a July 27 deadline in order to choose a new candidate.

Several Democrats have expressed interest, but any new nominee will face a tight timeline.

The selection process could also trigger a contest between the party's moderate and progressive factions.

Edited by: Natalie Muller

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