THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Graham Platner, oyster farmer & Democratic Senate candidate caught ... A year ago, Graham Platner was a harbourmaster in a Maine fishing town and chaired the local planning board on the side. Today, he is a Democratic Senate nominee in a race the party sees as central to retaking control of the chamber — and the man several of senior figures are now publicly demanding step aside, after a woman accused him of sexual assault. Platner, 41, lives in Sullivan, a small coastal town in Maine, where he farms oysters. He served multiple tours in theMarine Corpsin West Asia and has said he returned from war angry and lost. That time, he told MS NOW, was “a pretty dark period”, though he spent time reading and rebuilding his life. Politics, he said, was never the plan. Local organisers approached him after a video of him discussing fishing issues circulated, according to The New York Times. “Until recently, I thought that harbormaster would be the height of my political career,” he said after winning the primary. Backing universal healthcare, higher taxes on the wealthy and a higher minimum wage, Platner tells his supporters “there is no metric of hard work that justifies a billionai…

Woman who dated Graham Platner tells Politico that he sexually ... Maine woman who dated Graham Platner tells Politico that Senate candidate sexually assaulted her in 2021 Platner says the accusation is "categorically false" Maine woman who dated Graham Platner tells Politico that Senate candidate sexually assaulted her in 2021 Platner says the accusation is "categorically false" BREAKING NEWS FIRST AT FOUR.. JUST ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AGO.. NEW ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER.. ACCUSING HIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT.. THESE ALLEGATIONS.. JUST PUBLISHED BY POLITICO.. BONNIE BISHOP-- JOINING US LIVE.. BREAKING DOWN THE ALLEGATIONGS BONNIE-- WHAT ARE WE HEARING? THE ALLEGATIONS COME FROM A 41-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FROM MAINE WHO ACCUSED PLATNER OF FORCING HIM TO HAVE SEX WITH HER... AND WARNING-- THESE DETAILS ARE GRAPHIC... PER POLITICO'S REPORT... SHE SAID PLATNER GRABBED HIM BY HER PELVIS AND BEING FORCEFUL... SHE SAYS THE TWO HAD AN ON AND OFF RELATIONSHIP FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS... SHE WAS ALSO SOURCED IN A FORMER NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE-- CALLING HIS BEHAVIOR UNSETTLING AND RECKLESS..... PLATNER-- RESPONDING TODAY-- TAKE A LISTEN-- 1:08 - "SO, REGARDLESS O…

NPR News Graham Platner faces growing calls to withdraw following allegation of sexual assault NPR | By Elena Moore , Barbara Sprunt Published July 6, 2026 at 1:09 PM PDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:22 Laura Brett / Getty Images Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Updated July 6, 2026 at 4:49 PM PDT Graham Platner is facing calls to end his Senate bid in Maine, following an allegation of sexual assault, the latest in a string of controversies against the Democratic candidate. Politico reported Monday an account made by Platner's former girlfriend, who alleges that in 2021, Platner entered her home intoxicated in rural Maine and forced her to have sex over her repeated objections. NPR has not independently verified the claims; in a statement Platner denied them. "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue," he said. Within hours of the story, a cascade of Democratic lawmakers called on Platner to exit the race, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of…

Graham Platner faces calls to leave Maine Senate race after sexual assault allegation Graham Platner is facing growing pressure to end his campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine after Politico reported an allegation of sexual assault. Platner has denied the claim.

BREAKING NEWS: A woman who dated Graham Platner alleges he sexually assaulted her. There is still time for Mainers to choose a leader who can stand against violence in public policy and in personal conduct.

Democrats begin pulling Platner endorsements after Maine candidate faces sexual assault allegation <p>Supporters of Maine candidate Graham Platner began pulling their endorsements after a woman who previously dated Platner said he sexually assaulted her.</p>

Now 78° Wed 97° Thu 96° byMINA ALLEN | The National News Desk WASHINGTON (TNND) —Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s former girlfriend, who has previously accused the politician of violence, expressed in an interview with CNN that she was heartened bycalls for Platner to drop outof the race. Platner faced widespread backlash after accusationssurfaced against him of sexual assaulton Monday. Lyndsey Fifield explained what occurred between her and Platner for the first time on camera on Tuesday. She reported that he grabbed her multiple times, left bruises and once blocked her in a bedroom while she was in a relationship with him. This interview comes a day after Jenny Raciot, who says she was casually dating Platner for two years, accused him of entering her home without her permission and sexually assaulting her while he was heavily intoxicated. Platner denied the accusations against him, which led multiple Democratic officials to call for the end of Platner’s campaign. In the interview, Fifield said she was inspired by Raciot’s actions against Platner, and felt “relief’ that endorsers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, urged Platner to drop out of the Senate race. Pla…

Platner denies sexual assault allegation, but says he will assess 'best path forward' The Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine said he was assessing next steps after allegations of sexual assault were reported on Monday by Politico. Platner denied them as "categorically untrue."

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: July 6, 2026 at 4:13 PM EDT | UPDATED: July 6, 2026 at 4:43 PM EDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By KIMBERLEE KRUESI A woman who previously dated Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday. Platner denied the allegation and said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he said in a video released on social media. Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn’t consensual. A voicemail left at a number listed for Racicot seeking comment…

BREAKING: Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner strongly suggests he’ll drop out of the race after a Politico story in which a woman accused him of forcing her to have sex: “We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love…”

Photo : CJ Gunther / Getty Images News / Getty Images Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing serious allegations of sexual assault, which he denies, as he takes "time to reflect" on his campaign. A report by Politico details accusations from Jenny Racicot, who claims Platner forced her to have sex in late 2021 despite her objections. Platner, who is running against Republican Senator Susan Collins, has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." Racicot shared her story with Politico, stating that Platner entered her home intoxicated and assaulted her. She provided corroborating accounts from a former partner and therapist emails. Platner's campaign has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks, emphasizing his commitment to his campaign goals. Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer, has previously faced scrutiny over past conduct, including offensive comments and a controversial tattoo. Despite these controversies, he won the Democratic primary and remains a key figure in the race against Collins. With the election approaching, Platner's future in the campaign remains uncertain as he considers the best path forward for his su…

Democrat Graham Platner exits key US Senate race, but denies rape allegation Graham Platner, a scandal-plagued Democratic Senate nominee whose insurgent rise had drawn comparisons to Donald Trump, ended his campaign on Wednesday after a rape allegation threatened to derail one of his party’s best chances of flipping a Republican-held seat. Platner, a Marine veteran, oysterman and political newcomer, won last month’s Democratic primary in the northeastern state of Maine to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in November’s midterm elections. His withdrawal gives Maine...

Maine Democrats call on Graham Platner to leave US Senate race This story will be updated. AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine Democratic Party leaders called Monday for Graham Platner to withdraw as the party’s U.S. Senate nominee, the first time state party leaders have formally broken with him over a string of allegations that have dogged his campaign. The extraordinary step came hours after Politico reported that a Maine woman accused Platner of forcing her to have sex with him in 2021 despite her repeated objections. Platner has denied the allegation, which built on allegations of “toxic” behavior from several women who dated Platner that were reported last month by The New York Times. “Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate,” party Chair Charlie Dingman, Vice Chair Imke Schessler and Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a joint statement. Jenny Racicot, who said she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, told Politico he entered her home while drunk in 2021 and had sex with her despite her telling him to stop. She said she cut off contact with him afterward and told him the encounter was not c…

🚨 BREAKING: Maine’s Senate race is in upheaval. A second woman has publicly accused Democratic nominee Graham Platner of sexual misconduct. Platner denies the allegations. Dem leaders are calling for him to step aside, and the DSCC has suspended spending in the race. 🗳️ #SheShed #VivaHer

BREAKING Maine Dem US Senate nominee “GOP voting” DSA candidate Graham Platner DSA-ME accused of sexual assault by ex-girlfriend in a Politico @politico.com article. This news could reelect Collins R-ME & keep SCOTUS GOP for decades. Might make DSA Platner withdraw & force a new Dem. #MEpolitics

BREAKING: Graham Platner said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for his candidacy minutes after POLITICO reported that a woman who dated him said he forced her to have sex with him, which he denies. www.politico.com/news/2026/07...

Graham Platner ends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation <p>Democratic marines veteran and oyster farmer has been dogged by controversy since entering contest last year</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/06/graham-platner-assault-allegation">Woman accuses Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault</a></p></li></ul><p>Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, is suspending his campaign following a sexual assault allegation.</p><p>Platner announced his decision in a <a href="https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2075009677495058687">video</a> posted to social media on Wednesday evening.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/08/graham-platner-maine-senate-campaign">Continue reading...</a>

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) By Associated Press PUBLISHED: July 6, 2026 at 1:13 PM PDT | UPDATED: July 6, 2026 at 4:39 PM PDT Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and NICHOLAS RICCARDI, Associated Press A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he said in a video released on social media. Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Pl…

U.S:BREAKING: Graham Platner said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for his candidacy minutes after POLITICO reported that a woman who dated him said he forced her to have sex with him, which he denies.

Graham Platner taking 'time to reflect' amid calls to drop out over ... Graham Platner taking 'time to reflect' amid calls to drop out over sexual assault allegations Maine Public | By Steve Mistler Published July 6, 2026 at 3:50 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Kevin Bennett / For Maine Public Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner addresses the crowd at an election watch party in Blue Hill on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. This story will be updated. Maine Democratic Party leaders called on Graham Platner to drop his U.S. Senate bid on Monday hours after new allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a women he was dating five years ago. Platner is strongly denying the latest accusations but said in a video that the campaign was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." Calls from local and national Democrats for him to leave the race quickly followed, marking a dramatic turn for a populist campaign that had weathered previous controversies but now finds itself losing allies fast. The revelations also come one week before the statutory deadline for Platner to withdraw while still being able to replaced on the November ballot. The report b…

Sex assault claim throws key US Senate race into question ⁠Democratic Party leaders on Monday called on Graham Platner to withdraw as their nominee to run against Republican US Senator Susan Collins of Maine, after media reports that a woman accused him of forcibly having sex with her nearly five years ago. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who heads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said in a statement: “The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the...

Breaking: Democrat Graham Platner suspends campaign for key US Senate race after assault allegation The decision came days after a woman accused him of sexual assault, an accusation he says is... Via BBC News #Assault #Accused #Accusation What's your take on this?

National Graham Platner faces growing calls to withdraw following allegation of sexual assault NPR | By Elena Moore , Barbara Sprunt Published July 6, 2026 at 4:09 PM EDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:22 Laura Brett / Getty Images Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Updated July 6, 2026 at 6:39 PM EDT Graham Platner is facing calls to end his Senate bid in Maine, following an allegation of sexual assault, the latest in a string of controversies against the Democratic candidate. Politico reported Monday an account made by Platner's former girlfriend, who alleges that in 2021, Platner entered her home intoxicated in rural Maine and forced her to have sex over her repeated objections. NPR has not independently verified the claims; in a statement Platner denied them. "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue," he said. Within hours of the story, several Democratic lawmakers rescinded their endorsements of Platner. "I've been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allega…

BREAKING: A woman who dated Graham Platner, Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, accused him of sexual assaulting her nearly five years ago, an allegation Platner denies, Politico reported. In a statement provided to Politico, Platner called the allegations “troubling, serious, and false.”

Two breaking stories: both are gut punches for anyone who cares about accountability. In Maine, Dem Senate candidate and Marine veteran Graham Platner has withdrawn after a Nazi tattoo, ugly online history, and rape allegations from two women who went on the record. Paul was skeptical from day one —

Now 79° Thu 87° Fri 90° byMatthew Bourgault|WGME PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) —Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner officially suspended campaign operations on Wednesday night. Platner had come under fire this week after allegations of sexual assault from an ex-girlfriend were reported on byPolitico. According to the report, Jenny Racicot said Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop. Platner has denied the allegations, but he says he will file the paperwork to withdraw from the race. Many former Platner supporters called on him to drop out of the race, including California Congressman Ro Khanna and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who both campaigned in Maine for him, as well as the group Planned Parenthood. Platner easily won the Democratic primary over Governor Janet Mills last month. This follows a string of controversies that has plagued the Platner campaign from its outset. The Maine Democratic Party issued a statement Wednesday night outlining the plan for selecting a new candidate.

The Democratic Party Failed Us With Graham Platner A woman who dated Graham Platner said he sexually assaulted her, allegations that followed the stories of several other women who reported abuse at the hands of Maine&#8217;s democratic nominee for US Senate.&#160; The woman, Maine resident Jenny Racicot, provided substantiated details of the alleged incident in a Monday Politico report.&#160; “These allegations are troubling, [&#8230;]

Graham Platner faces growing calls to withdraw following allegation of sexual assault NPR | By Elena Moore , Barbara Sprunt Published July 6, 2026 at 3:09 PM CDT Facebook Bluesky Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:22 Laura Brett / Getty Images Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Updated July 6, 2026 at 6:49 PM CDT Graham Platner is facing calls to end his Senate bid in Maine, following an allegation of sexual assault, the latest in a string of controversies against the Democratic candidate. Politico reported Monday an account made by Platner's former girlfriend, who alleges that in 2021, Platner entered her home intoxicated in rural Maine and forced her to have sex over her repeated objections. NPR has not independently verified the claims; in a statement Platner denied them. "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue," he said. Within hours of the story, a cascade of Democratic lawmakers called on Platner to exit the race, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of …

Democrat in key US Senate race denies sex assault claim WASHINGTON &mdash; Scandal-hit US Senate candidate Graham Platner -- whose insurgent rise has drawn comparisons to President Donald Trump -- denied a sexual assault allegation Monday that threatens to derail one of Democrats' best chances of flipping a Republican-held seat.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Platner faces calls to withdraw after ... Platner denies the allegation and says he'll "reflect on the best path forward." Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing calls to withdraw from the race after an allegation of sexual assault published Monday. Platner called the allegation "categorically false"and said he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." In a Politico report, Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend, alleged that Platner, while they were dating five years ago, forced her into having sex without her consent after she had repeatedly called for him to stop. ABC News has not confirmed the contents of the Politico story. In the wake of the report, a number of Democrats across the country called for Platner to get out of the race. Maine Democratic Party officials released a statement calling on Platner to withdraw as the party's nominee for Senate. "Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today's statements take those allegations even further," party Chair Charlie Dingman, Vice Chair Imke Schessler and Exective Director Devon Murphy-An…

🔥🚨 BREAKING — BOMBSHELL: Woman who dated Maine Dem Senate nominee Graham Platner accuses him of SEXUALLY ASSAULTING her. Jenny Racicot says he forced himself on her despite repeated "no's" while blackout drunk.

WASHINGTON, July 6 (Reuters) – Maine’s Democratic Party on Monday ​called for ‌the Graham Platner, its nominee for a U.S. Senate ‌seat ​in the ⁠state, to ⁠withdraw his candidacy after a woman accused him of ​sexual assault. “Over the past several ⁠weeks, ⁠multiple women have ​made serious, credible ​allegations against Graham Platner. ‌Today’s statements take those allegations even further,” ⁠it said in a statement. “Maine Democratic Party leadership ⁠is ‌calling on ⁠Graham Platner ​to ‌withdraw as the ​Democratic nominee ⁠for U.S. Senate.’ (Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Caitlin ​Webber)

Democrats begin pulling Platner endorsements after sexual assault ... A woman Platner previously dated accused him of drunkenly forcing her to have sex with him after she told him to stop according to a Politico report. Platner denied the allegation and said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to aPolitico reportreleased Monday, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of…

Breaking news: New York Times : Graham Platner to take time to “reflect” after rape accusation. Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, called the allegation “false.” He did not say if he would continue his campaign, noting further as of now.

Graham Platner, oyster farmer & Democratic Senate candidate caught in a web of allegations Who is Graham Platner? Explore the Maine Senate candidate's military career, oyster farming, sexual assault allegations and high-stakes Senate race.

BREAKING: Graham Platner Accused of Sexual Assault A woman told Politico that Maine’s Democratic Senate nominee drunkenly assaulted her in 2021. Platner has a week to drop out of the race. zeteo.com/p/graham-pla...

Democratic candidate for key Senate seat steps down over sexual assault allegation The Democratic Senate nominee for Maine, Graham Platner, has withdrawn from the race following accusations of sexual assault, among other controversies. Platner continues to deny the allegations, saying he's dropping out due to losing his party's support. It's a key seat for the Democrats, who are hoping to retake the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.

Woman accuses Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault ... Maine Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces new sexual assault allegation: reports “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” Platner said in a video released on social media. By Kimberlee Kruesi | The Associated Press and Nicholas Riccardi | The Associated Press • Published July 6, 2026 • Updated 2 hours ago BOOKMARKER NBC10 Boston A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he said in a video released on soci…

BREAKING: The Graham Platner story dropped by Politico: "A woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner says he forced her to have sex with him nearly five years ago despite her repeated objections, an allegation Platner denies." www.politico.com/news/2026/07...

Graham Platner ends Maine Senate campaign He had lost significant support and financial backing among Democrats in the wake of a POLITICO report that a woman said he forced her to have sex. He denied the claim.

Breaking @ms.now: A woman who dated Graham Platner, Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, accused him of sexual assaulting her nearly five years ago, an allegation Platner denies, Politico reported on Monday. Donna Brazile just called for him to drop out.

Democrats begin pulling Platner endorsements after Maine candidate faces sexual assault allegation <p>A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737">Politico report</a> released Monday, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil.</p>

Graham Platner Says He’s Out. Now What? Graham Platner, the scandal-ridden populist Senate candidate from Maine, suspended his campaign Wednesday night. His announcement came two days after a rape allegation against him was made public in a Politico report, and prominent Democrats—many of whom had looked the other way at Platner&#8217;s Nazi tattoo and prior abuse allegations—one by one dropped their endorsements. [&#8230;]

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) By The Canadian Press Platner says he will ‘reflect’ on Maine Senate campaign after woman accuses him of sexual assault Jul 6, 2026 | 2:14 PM Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on X Copy Link A woman who previously dated Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday. Platner denied the allegation and said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he said in a video released on social media. Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn’t consensual. A voicemail left at a numb…

. 🚨 BREAKING: Maine's U.S. Senate race has been turned upside down. Democratic nominee Graham Platner has suspended his campaign operations following sexual assault allegations that he strongly denies. 📺 Story includes Platner's full X video statement 👉 jrlcharts.com/2026/07/08/g...

Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race after sexual assault claim <p>SCARBOROUGH, Maine &#8212; Graham Platner said Wednesday that he plans to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after facing an allegation of sexual assault, shuttering an insurgent campaign that had withstood months of controversy only to implode and imperil Democrats&#8217; attempt to regain power in Washington.</p>

No, there is documentary evidence of the rape. Platner needs to withdraw officially in order for an emergency state convention to gather and nominate someone else. Deadlines looming!! His dithering is causing problems for Maine Dem voters.

Woman accuses Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said Monday his campaign is considering “the best path forward”after Politico reportedthat a woman he previously dated had accused him of sexual assault, an allegation the candidate denies. Jenny Racicot, 41, of Maine said that Platner — whom she said she had casually dated on and off from 2019 to 2021 — entered her home one night late in 2021, uninvited and deeply intoxicated, and forced her to have sex despite her telling him to stop, according to the news outlet. Racicot also detailed the allegations in a lengthy interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, describing the accusations after they were first reported by Politico. In a statement provided to Politico and subsequently obtained by MS NOW, Platner called the allegations “troubling, serious, and false.” “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue,” he said. Thescandal-plagued candidaterepeated that statement in a videoposted to Xshortly after the Politico story published, in which he also said his campaign is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” Under Maine law, …

Maine Democratic Party calls on Graham Platner to drop out of Senate ... Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at an event hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders in Orono, Maine, on Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press) Read all of our coverage of Maine's 2026 election or stay up to date with the latest developments through the Maine Political Report in your inbox or text messages from politics editor Kirby Wilson. The Maine Democratic Party on Monday called for Graham Platner to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race after a Maine women accused him of sexual assault in a story published by Politico . “Maine Democratic Party leadership takes seriously our responsibility to hold every candidate who seeks to represent our state to the highest standard,” the party’s leadership said in a written statement. “Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today’s statements take those allegations even further,” they continued. “Maine Democratic Party leadership is calling on Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.” The statement was signed by Chairman Charlie Dingman,…

Democrats are rapidly abandoning Graham Platner The loss of support comes after a POLITICO report that a woman said the Maine Democratic Senate nominee sexually assaulted her in 2021. He denied the claim.

Platner says he is ‘taking the time to reflect’ on his candidacy The Maine Democratic Senate nominee posted the statement after POLITICO published allegations that he forced a woman to have sex with him, which he denies.

US midterms: Democrat exits key Senate race after rape claim Democrat Graham Platner, an oysterman running for the US Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign after he was accused of sexual assault. The announcement throws a closely watched 2026 midterms race into uncertainty.

Democrats scramble as Graham Platner faces sexual assault allegation ... A woman Platner previously dated accused him of drunkenly forcing her to have sex with him after she told him to stop according to a Politico report. Platner denied the allegation and said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks during a primary election night watch party after winning the Democratic nomination Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Blue Hill, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — With Democrats across the U.S.abandoning their supportof Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner following an allegation of sexual assault, party leaders found themselves Tuesday scrambling to determine next steps in their effort to win a high-stakes race against Republican Sen.Susan Collins. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Platner’s longtime backer, joined the chorus Tuesday saying that he spoke with Platner and that “in light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.” Platner, who denies the allegation, has so far not heeded the wave of calls to resign as the nominee. Instead, he posted a video on Monday sayi…

Democrats' Platner accused of sexual assault, dashing party's US Senate hopes Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner says the allegation is "categorically false", but is considering his next steps as the report prompts several key backers to withdraw their endorsements.

Graham Platner Denies Sex Assault Claim, Key Democrats Pull Maine ... + 1 By Gabe Whisnant , Anna Commander , Hannah Parry , and Khaleda Rahman 0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine is confronting fresh political challenges after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021, a claim he denied to Newsweek, as new polling suggests voters have little tolerance for additional controversies involving him. The new allegation was reported by Politico , which interviewed Maine resident Jenny Racicot. She alleged that Platner entered her home while intoxicated in late 2021 and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections. She told the outlet that she had previously been involved in an on-and-off relationship with Platner and that the encounter was not consensual. ... Platner rejected the allegation in an email to Newsweek on Tuesday, saying: "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue." In a video posted on X on …

Graham Platner faces growing calls to withdraw following allegation of ... NPR News Graham Platner faces growing calls to withdraw following allegation of sexual assault NPR | By Elena Moore , Barbara Sprunt Published July 6, 2026 at 3:09 PM CDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:22 Laura Brett / Getty Images Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026 in Portland, Maine. Updated July 6, 2026 at 6:49 PM CDT Graham Platner is facing calls to end his Senate bid in Maine, following an allegation of sexual assault, the latest in a string of controversies against the Democratic candidate. Politico reported Monday an account made by Platner's former girlfriend, who alleges that in 2021, Platner entered her home intoxicated in rural Maine and forced her to have sex over her repeated objections. NPR has not independently verified the claims; in a statement Platner denied them. "These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue," he said. Within hours of the story, a cascade of Democratic lawmakers called on Platner to exit the race, including Senate De…

Democrats accuse Graham Platner of trying to put ‘thumb on the scale’ of process to replace him <p>Maine’s embattled US Senate nominee has faced calls to withdraw after a sexual assault allegation he denies</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&amp;utm_campaign=BN22326&amp;utm_content=signup&amp;utm_term=standfirst&amp;utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email</a></p></li></ul><p>Graham Platner, the embattled Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, has been accused of trying to influence the process of picking his replacement amid a chorus of calls for him to withdraw from the race.</p><p>Platner has publicly said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” after an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/06/graham-platner-assault-allegation">published on Monday</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/08/graham-platner-senate-calls-withdraw">Continue reading...</a>

Graham Platner timeline: Controversies during his Senate campaign <p>Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure to drop out of Maine's U.S. Senate race after a former girlfriend alleged he sexually assaulted her in late 2021.</p>

Woman who dated Graham Platner tells Politico that he sexually assaulted her in 2021 <p>In exclusive interviews with Politico, a Maine woman who dated Graham Platner claimed that he sexually assaulted her nearly five years ago, an allegation that the U.S. Senate candidate called "categorically false."</p>

Now 89° Wed 98° Thu 98° byRAY LEWIS | The National News Desk HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) —New sexual assault accusations against Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine’s U.S. Senate race, are prompting some congressional allies to finally jump ship from the stormy campaign that has defined the oyster farmer’s political ascendancy. One of Platner’s former girlfriends told Politico for areportpublished Monday that he raped her during an unannounced, drunken visit in 2021. The candidate, who has weatheredseriesof misconduct allegations over the past year, has denied the claims but appears unable to prevent some of his strongest Senate supporters from abandoning him. Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat who endorsed Platner earlier this year, called on him to drop out after Tuesday’s report. “Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable,” she reportedly said in a statement. Jenny Raciot, who had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years, told Politico he forced himself into her, ejaculating without her consent. “I remember him grabbing my pelvis and be…

The New York, Breaking news: Graham Platner to take time to “reflect” after rape accusation. Graham Platner, the Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, called the allegation “false.” He did not say if he would continue his campaign.

BREAKING: Graham Platner said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for his candidacy minutes after POLITICO reported that a woman who dated him said he forced her to have sex with him, which he denies. www.politico.com/news/2026/07...

Maine Democratic Party calls on Graham Platner to drop out as sexual ... Washington — The leadership of the Maine Democratic Party urged Senate nominee Graham Platner to drop out of the race Monday, after a bombshell Politico report accusing Platner of sexual assault. Platner insisted the allegation is "categorically false" but said his campaign is reflecting on "the best path forward." "Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner said in a video his campaign posted to X. "Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today." A Maine woman, Jenny Racicot, told Politico that Platner entered her home without permission in late 2021 when he was drunk and forced himself on her. Racicot said the two met on a dating app in 2019 and had consensual relations before the night of the alleged sexual assault. Platner denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious and false." "Any accusation of non-consensual beha…

ETN AMERICA BREAKING: Maine Senate nominee (at least, for now) Graham Platner's ex-girlfriend tells POLITICO that he sexually assaulted her in the time they were together. Platner denies the allegations and says his team will "take time for the best course of action".

Graham Platner drops his bid for Senate after facing an allegation of rape Platner's campaign to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine was marked by repeated scandals. It came to a crashing halt after the allegation led top Democrats to withdraw their support.

Photo : CJ Gunther / Getty Images News / Getty Images Democrats are distancing themselves from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner following a sexual assault allegation reported by Politico on Monday (July 6). A woman named Jenny Racicot accused Platner of forcing her to have sex in 2021 despite her objections. Platner, who denies the allegation, stated he is "taking time to reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign. Prominent Democrats, including Congressman Ro Khanna of California and Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, have withdrawn their endorsements. Khanna emphasized that "sexual assault or violence against women is a red line" and called for Platner to drop out of the race. The Maine Democratic Party has also urged Platner to withdraw, stating they stand "with women and survivors." Platner, an Iraq War veteran and former oysterman, has faced multiple controversies, including allegations of physical abuse and having a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Despite winning the Democratic primary in April, his campaign has been marred by these allegations. Platner's campaign has canceled several town halls in Maine as he considers his next steps. Under Maine law, Platner ha…

Rape, Politico. It's called rape. Here, let's fix it: Breaking: Graham Platner said he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his candidacy minutes after a woman accused him of rape.

Woman alleges Graham Platner raped her in 2021 while they were ... - CNN Woman says Graham Platner ‘absolutely’ raped her. He denies it 5:45 • Source: CNN Woman says Graham Platner ‘absolutely’ raped her. He denies it 5:45 Crime Senate election US elections Congressional news See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow A woman said Monday that Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, entered her home without permission and raped her while he was heavily intoxicated nearly five years ago when they were in a casual dating relationship – an allegation Platner denies. The alleged assault was first reported by Politico . In an interview with CNN, Jenny Racicot, 41, said the attack occurred in the Maine town where she lived in 2021, two years after she and Platner began casually dating. The interview will be broadcast on The Lead with Jake Tapper. Woman alleges Graham Platner raped her in 2021 while they were dating, which he denies 24:03 • Source: CNN Woman alleges Graham Platner raped her in 2021 while they were dating, which he denies 24:03 Racicot said one night in November or December 2021, Platner showed up drunk at her house after sh…

Democrat Graham Platner suspends campaign for key US Senate race in Maine The decision came days after a woman accused him of sexual assault, an accusation he says is "categorically false".

Top Democrats press Maine Senate candidate to drop out of race over sexual assault allegation Graham Platner denied the allegation, calling it "categorically false" but said he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward".

Leading US Democrats withdraw support for Platner after assault allegations Monday&#039;s accusations are the latest in a long string of controversies surrounding the Maine Democratic Senate candidate.

BREAKING: Graham Platner said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for his candidacy minutes after POLITICO reported that a woman who dated him said he forced her to have sex with him, which he denies. www.politico.com/news/2026/07... Wow, who could have predicted this? 😉

A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he said in a video released on social media. Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn’t consensual. A voicemail left at a number listed for Racicot seeking comment did not receive an immediate response, but in an interview on CNN Monday evening she said she opted not to fight back for fear of Platner, a former Marine, becoming more violent. “He violated multiple layers of consent that night,” Racicot said. …

Woman accuses Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault <p>Democratic candidate for Senate, who has faced series of scandals, denies allegation reported by Politico</p><p>A woman has accused Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, of sexual assault, according to an <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737">exclusive report</a> by Politico.</p><p>Jenny Racicot, 41, dated the oyster farmer former marine veteran and alleges he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/06/graham-platner-assault-allegation">Continue reading...</a>

How Graham Platner's campaign could cost Senate Democrats <p>Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure to end his campaign following a serious sexual assault allegation. Democrats now deal with the fallout.</p>

Maine Democrat Graham Platner suspends U.S. Senate campaign after sexual assault accusation, triggering emergency state party scramble to sele https://dailypoliticalpress.com/maine-democrat-graham-platner-suspends-senate-campaign/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=zimm-distribute

Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend of Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, stated he was “almost blackout drunk” and “deeply intoxicated” when he allegedly entered her home uninvited in 2021 and forced her into sex. Platner has denied the assault allegations --------- Peak fighting form.

Graham Platner's ex Lyndsey Fifield alleges he removed condoms without consent, ‘He would act like…' A second woman has accused Maine senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual misconduct, saying he repeatedly removed condoms without her consent.

Platner defenders: "These rape accusations will all blow over in a couple of weeks" 20th July: "BREAKING NEWS: Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has been forensically connected to several unsolved murders"

🏛️ [POLITICS] JUST IN - MAINE DEMOCRAT SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER IS "SUSPENDING CAMPAIGN OPERATIONS" AMID SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS: "WE’RE NOT DOING IT BECAUSE OF THE ALLEGATIONS, WE’RE DOING IT BECAUSE OF ... - $SOURCE$ ⚡ Live alerts: https://t.me/tickertap_alerts

Maine Democratic Party leaders call on Graham Platner to resign over ... Politics Maine Democratic Party leaders call on Graham Platner to resign over sexual assault allegations Maine Public | By Steve Mistler , Kevin Miller Published July 6, 2026 at 3:50 PM EDT Updated July 6, 2026 at 8:12 PM EDT Facebook LinkedIn Bluesky Email Kevin Bennett / For Maine Public Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner addresses the crowd at an election watch party in Blue Hill on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Maine Democratic Party leaders called on Graham Platner to drop his U.S. Senate bid on Monday hours after new allegations surfaced that he sexually assaulted a women he was dating five years ago. Platner is strongly denying the latest accusations but said in a video that the campaign was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" in a race that both national parties regard as key to control of the Senate. Calls from local and national Democrats for him to leave the race quickly followed, marking a dramatic turn for a populist campaign that had weathered previous controversies but now finds itself losing allies fast. The revelations also come one week before the stat…