Platner's Campaign Gains Momentum Despite Ongoing Allegations
Platner's campaign raised $200k after allegations; Collins pursues sixth Senate term.
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
Susan Collins seeking sixth Senate term in 2026 Maine general election
Senator Susan Collins, first elected in 1996, is seeking a sixth term in the November 3, 2026 general election against Democratic nominee Graham Platner. Democrats view Maine as a top target in their effort to gain four seats needed for Senate control.
Graham Platner denies sexual assault allegations and says campaign is reflecting on path forward
On July 6, 2026, Graham Platner posted a video denying the sexual assault allegations as false, stating that any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false. He said his campaign is taking time to reflect on the best path forward in the race against Senator Susan Collins, stopping short of committing to remain in the race.
Platner's campaign raised over $200,000 after New York Times story on allegations
Following a New York Times story in spring 2026 that described Platner's behavior in general terms and featured allegations from accuser Lyndsey Fifield, Platner raised more than $200,000, marking his best fundraising day since Governor Janet Mills exited the race.
Graham Platner's campaign postpones events following sexual assault allegations
Following the publication of sexual assault allegations, several Platner campaign events were postponed, including town halls scheduled in towns such as Gorham, Maine, according to the Gorham Democratic Party.
Graham Platner won Maine Democratic Senate primary on June 9, 2026 with over 70 percent of vote
Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, won the Maine Democratic Senate primary on June 9, 2026, with more than 70 percent of the vote, receiving 156,084 votes, which he described as the most in the state's primary history. He defeated Governor Janet Mills, who had suspended her campaign in April but remained on the ballot.
Politico publishes sexual assault allegations against Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner
Politico published detailed allegations on July 6, 2026, from Jenny Racicot accusing Platner of sexual assault in late 2021. The outlet conducted three interviews with Racicot over two weeks, reviewed therapist emails and Facebook messages, and spoke with another man Racicot dated who corroborated her account.
Jenny Racicot accuses Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner of sexual assault in late 2021
Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident, alleged that Graham Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated in late 2021 and forced himself on her despite her repeated objections. Racicot stated they had an on-and-off relationship for more than two years before the alleged incident. She did not file a police report but told a therapist and later described the incident to a man she dated after Platner.
Maine Democrats have July 13 deadline to replace Platner if he exits the race
Maine law provides Democrats with a deadline of July 13, 2026, for Graham Platner to drop out of the Senate race and still allow the party to legally replace him with another candidate. This deadline is approximately one week after the Politico report and sexual assault allegations were published.
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2 alternative perspectives
Maine Primary Winner Faces Sexual Assault Allegations
Maine primary winner Graham Platner denies sexual assault allegations after decisive primary victory.