Maine Democrats launch nominating convention to replace Platner
Maine Democrats hold nominating convention to select new Senate nominee after Platner's withdrawal.
Event / Politics
Maine Senate Race 2026
Democratic primary and general election for Maine's U.S. Senate seat, including candidate controversies and party responses.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 7 Jul, 00:23 UTC
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What happened
Jenny Racicot accuses Graham Platner of sexual assault in 2021
Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of entering her home while intoxicated in late 2021 and forcing her to have sex despite her repeated objections. Racicot stated the two had previously been involved in an on-and-off relationship and that the encounter was not consensual. Platner denied the allegation as categorically false.
Maine Democratic Party to hold nominating convention to select Senate replacement
The Maine Democratic Party announced it will hold a nominating convention to select a replacement Senate candidate to face Republican incumbent Susan Collins. The party has until July 27 at 5 p.m. to select a replacement, with candidates required to formally declare by July 15 at 5 p.m.
Former girlfriend accuses Graham Platner of removing condom without consent
The Washington Post reported that a former girlfriend accused Graham Platner of removing a condom during sex without her consent, deepening the controversy surrounding the Senate candidate.
Graham Platner formally withdraws from Maine U.S. Senate race
Graham Platner formally filed paperwork to withdraw from the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Maine, submitting a letter to the Maine Secretary of State's office. He withdrew after facing sexual assault allegations and following pressure from Democratic supporters. His name will not appear on the ballot.
Multiple candidates file to replace Platner in Maine Senate race
At least half a dozen candidates, including several who previously ran unsuccessfully in the state's gubernatorial and Senate primaries and one who lost to Collins in 2014, have entered the contest to replace Platner as the Democratic nominee.
Democratic senators withdraw support for Graham Platner
Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren withdrew their support for Graham Platner's Senate campaign following the rape allegation. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also stated it would cease financial support unless Platner stepped aside.
Graham Platner won Maine Democratic primary in June 2026
Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic primary in June 2026 on a progressive platform focused on lowering the cost of living and supporting the middle class. He was running to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Democrat Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign
Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for Maine's U.S. Senate seat, suspended his campaign operations on July 9, 2026. He posted a video message stating that his campaign would be unable to fundraise, access voter data, or operate with the necessary tools to win a statewide race.
Graham Platner had Nazi tattoo on chest
Graham Platner had a Nazi tattoo on his chest, which he later covered up. The tattoo drew public criticism during his Senate campaign.
Graham Platner previously criticized sexual assault victims online
In a 2013 Reddit thread, Graham Platner criticized sexual assault victims, writing that people should not get so drunk that they end up having sex with someone they did not intend to and that victims should take responsibility for themselves. He later apologized, saying he no longer held those views.
Maine law requires Senate candidate replacement by July 13
Under Maine state law, the Democratic nominee must withdraw by July 13, 2026, to allow the Maine Democratic Party the opportunity to replace him before the state's July 27 deadline.
Woman publicly alleges Graham Platner committed rape in 2021
Jenny Racicot publicly revealed an allegation that Graham Platner sexually assaulted her in 2021. Racicot, described as a supporter of Democratic causes, came forward with the allegation after The New York Times published a story about other domestic abuse allegations against Platner.
Former girlfriend accused Graham Platner of aggressive behavior
A former girlfriend of Graham Platner accused him of becoming aggressive with her during their relationship. She told The New York Times that the incidents left her shaken and afraid of Platner.
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign following sexual assault allegation
Graham Platner announced the suspension of his Senate campaign for Maine in a video posted on X. The decision came after a woman accused him of sexual assault in 2021. Platner denied the allegation as false while announcing the suspension of campaign operations.
Graham Platner wins Maine Democratic Senate primary on June 9 despite earlier controversies
Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic primary for Maine's U.S. Senate seat on June 9. He defeated the establishment's preferred candidate, two-term Governor Janet Mills, who withdrew from the race in late April. Platner's anti-establishment rhetoric and populist message resonated with the Democratic base, earning him endorsements from prominent progressives including Elizabeth Warren, Ro Khanna, and Bernie Sanders.
Maine Democratic Party establishes nominating convention to select replacement Senate nominee
Following Platner's withdrawal, the Maine Democratic Party announced it would hold a nominating convention to select a new Senate nominee to replace him on the ballot. The party set a July 27 deadline for selecting a replacement candidate. Potential candidates mentioned include Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Maine CDC head Nirav Shah, former state Senate President Troy Jackson, and Maine Beer Company owner Dan Kleban.
Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race following sexual assault allegation
Graham Platner announced on Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine. The withdrawal came after a woman named Jenny Racicot alleged that Platner sexually assaulted her in 2021 without her consent. Platner denied the allegations but said the controversy has placed immense weight on his campaign and that he would lose access to fundraising, voter data, and campaign infrastructure if he continued.
Democratic leaders rescind endorsements of Graham Platner following sexual assault allegation
Multiple prominent Democratic figures withdrew their support for Platner after the sexual assault allegation was made public. These included Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senate campaign arm stated they would not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remained on the ballot.
Woman accuses Graham Platner of sexual assault in 2021
Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident who had a relationship with Platner, alleged in a Politico report published Monday that Platner entered her home uninvited and intoxicated in late 2021 and forced himself on her despite her repeated objections. Racicot described the alleged assault in a subsequent CNN interview, stating that Platner's actions met the definition of rape. Platner has denied the allegations, stating that accusations of nonconsensual behavior are categorically untrue.
Second woman accuses Platner of removing condoms without consent
The Washington Post reported that another ex-girlfriend of Graham Platner alleged that he repeatedly removed condoms without her consent during sexual encounters. The Platner campaign described the allegations as "categorically false and politically motivated."
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after assault allegations
Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race after sexual assault allegations and Democratic pressure.
Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race; party names successor
Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race; Democrats begin nominating convention for successor.
Democratic leaders formally call on Platner to withdraw from Senate race
Maine Democratic leaders formally call on primary winner Platner to withdraw, with July 13 deadline set.
Platner exits Maine Senate race as allegations mount
Maine Senate candidate Platner withdraws after sexual assault allegations and reporting on misconduct.
GOP signals reckoning awaits Democrats over Platner succession planning
Democrats plan successor selection; GOP warns of reckoning over party handling.
Sanders, Warren distance from Platner as allegations persist
Sanders and Warren rescind Platner endorsements; King deletes supportive post after assault allegations.
Platner Campaign, Party Clash Over Nominee Replacement Process
Party and Platner campaign dispute nominee replacement process as July 13 deadline looms.
Primary Winner Platner Navigates Victory Amid Mounting Controversies
Primary winner Platner faces sexual assault allegations and party pressure to withdraw, but maintains donor support.
Democratic leaders call for Platner withdrawal ahead of July 13 deadline
Democratic leaders formally urge Platner to withdraw by July 13 deadline; succession plan discussions underway.
Racicot details sexual assault allegation against Platner from late 2021
Jenny Racicot alleges Platner sexually assaulted her in late 2021; Platner denies the claim.
Party pressure mounts as Sanders, Mamdani urge Platner to exit race
Sanders, Mamdani, and Maine Democrats demand Platner withdraw; July 27 deadline set for replacement.