Top Democrats press Maine Senate candidate to drop out of race over sexual assault allegation

Top Democrats are urging Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race following a sexual assault allegation reported by Politico. Platner has denied the accusation, calling it "categorically false," but stated he is reflecting on his path forward due to the political implications. Prominent figures including Senators Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with the Maine Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, have called for his immediate withdrawal. The DSCC has indicated they will not invest in the race if Platner remains a candidate. Several other senators and a New York City mayor have also joined the calls for him to step aside, and some supporters have rescinded their endorsements.

Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the US Senate race in Maine due to "very serious allegations" of sexual assault. Platner, who denies the claims first reported by Politico, is facing increasing pressure from prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren, to step aside. Platner has stated he is reflecting on his path forward. If Platner withdraws by July 13th, Democrats will have until July 27th to select a replacement candidate for the November election, as they aim to flip the seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins.

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing calls to resign following an allegation of sexual assault by a woman he previously dated. Platner denies the accusation and is considering his next steps, having canceled campaign events. The allegation has led to widespread withdrawal of support from national Democrats, putting the party's chances against Republican Sen. Susan Collins at risk. Maine law has strict deadlines for replacing candidates, requiring Platner to withdraw by July 13 for a replacement to be chosen. Potential replacements are already causing division within the Democratic party, with names like former Gov. Janet Mills and former state Senate President Troy Jackson being discussed.

Maine's Democratic party leadership is calling for Graham Platner to immediately withdraw from the Senate race following a sexual assault allegation. The article mentions President Trump has landed in Ankara, Turkey, for the NATO summit. He is scheduled to meet with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and attend a leaders dinner before the main summit session on Wednesday. The article does not provide further details on the sexual assault allegation or its connection to the NATO summit.

Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is accused of sexual assault by Jenny Racicot, a woman he dated. Racicot alleges that in late 2021, an intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her despite her objections. Platner has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them false and untrue. Racicot previously spoke to the New York Times about Platner's "unsettling" behavior with women. Platner, who has faced other scandals, stated he is reflecting on the path forward for his campaign. Several prominent Democrats, including Donna Brazile and Ro Khanna, have called for Platner to withdraw from the race.