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'A Red Line': Democrats Abandon Platner After Sexual Assault Claim

Platner denies a newly reported sexual assault allegation as Democratic leaders and former supporters urge him to leave the race.

'A Red Line': Democrats Abandon Platner After Sexual Assault Claim
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This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
tl;dr

Democratic leaders and former supporters are withdrawing their endorsements of Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner and urging him to leave the race after a woman he dated alleged he sexually assaulted her in 2021. Platner denies the allegation and says he is considering his campaign’s future.

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Democratic Senate nominee facing a sexual assault allegation and calls to withdraw from the race

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Kirsten E. Gillibrand
D · NY · SEN

Senator and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair who called for Platner to withdraw

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Senator and incumbent Platner sought to unseat

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator whose past support for Platner was criticized by Fetterman

John Fetterman
D · PA · SEN

Senator who criticized Platner and called on lawmakers who supported him to apologize

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate Democratic leader who called for Platner to withdraw

Ro Khanna
D · CA-17

Representative who withdrew his endorsement and called for Platner to leave the race

Ruben Gallego
D · AZ · SEN

Senator who rescinded his endorsement and urged Platner to withdraw

ALSO MENTIONED  Jenny Racicot, Woman who alleges Platner sexually assaulted her; Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee chair who called for Maine Democrats to select a new nominee

Part of a bigger story

50 OUTLETS
Sexual-Assault Allegation Against Graham Platner Is Reported

A former partner accused Graham Platner of sexual assault, which he denied. Democratic figures called on him to leave Maine’s Senate race. Left-leaning outlets connect the campaign fallout to progressive organizing and party candidate selection. Center outlets pair Platner’s denial with Democratic calls for him to leave and possible replacement steps. Right-leaning outlets scrutinize Democrats’ support and vetting of Platner, with some framing replacement efforts as a challenge to voters.

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