Senate Candidate Graham Platner Accused of Sexual Assault, Denies Allegations

Democratic Senate candidate from Maine Graham Platner is facing a new sexual assault allegation from a woman he previously dated. The woman claims the politician entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her.

Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident, told Politico she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for over two years. In late 2021, she alleges, Platner, deeply intoxicated, entered her home without permission and assaulted her despite her repeated pleas to stop.

Graham Platner strongly denies the allegations. In a video released Monday, he said he is taking time to consider the best path forward for his campaign in light of the accusation.

Racicot says she cut off contact with Platner after telling him the encounter was not consensual. She considered going to the police but ultimately did not file a report. Initially, she only confided in her therapist before telling others about the alleged assault in subsequent years.

According to Politico, Racicot told a man she later dated about the alleged assault years before Platner ran for Senate. The outlet also reviewed 2023 Facebook messages in which she warned another woman about getting involved with him.

Platner's campaign is going on the offensive, accusing out-of-state establishment operatives of coaching and coordinating the allegation, arguing the timing is suspicious with Maine's ballot deadline just a week away.

Platner acknowledges the allegation could have political consequences and says he is reflecting on the best path forward while remaining committed to defeating Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The accusation comes after Platner easily won Maine's Democratic primary last month.