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Sanders, Murphy, Van Hollen stay silent on Platner rape allegation

Platner faces a newly reported rape allegation and pressure from former supporters to suspend his campaign.

Sanders, Murphy, Van Hollen stay silent on Platner rape allegation
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Outlet credibilityFox News70/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
Fox News
Jul 7, 2026
tl;dr

Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen and Chris Murphy called on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to suspend his campaign or step aside after Jenny Racicot accused him of rape. The article describes a wider withdrawal of Democratic support and renewed scrutiny of the party’s response to allegations against Platner.

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Maine Senate candidate facing a rape allegation and calls to suspend his campaign

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Chris Van Hollen
D · MD · SEN

Senator who urged Platner to suspend his campaign

Van Hollen's version of this story ↗
Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator who recommended that Platner leave the race

Sanders's version of this story ↗
Christopher Murphy
D · CT · SEN

Senator who withdrew his support for Platner

Murphy's version of this story ↗
Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Maine senator and candidate Platner’s opponent in the general election

Sheldon Whitehouse
D · RI · SEN

Senator who withdrew his support for Platner after Racicot’s accusation

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader who demanded that Platner suspend his campaign

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

Senator who criticized the Democratic candidate in a statement

Elizabeth Warren
D · MA · SEN

Senator who rescinded her endorsement of Platner and called on him to exit the race

Maine governor and Platner’s former primary rival

Ro Khanna
D · CA-17

Representative who rescinded his endorsement of Platner and called on him to exit the race

Part of a bigger story

58 OUTLETS
Graham Platner Withdraws From Maine Senate Race

Outlets report that a woman accused Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault, which he denied, and that the allegation prompted calls for him to leave the race. Later coverage reports that he suspended or withdrew from his campaign. Left-leaning outlets focus on candidate accountability, electoral stakes and the process for choosing a replacement. Center outlets track the allegation, Platner’s denial and Democratic officials’ response, including the campaign’s political risks. Right-leaning outlets more often cast the episode as Democratic hypocrisy or party failure, while also following the political fallout.

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