A Woman Accused Graham Platner of Sexual Assault, Now Bernie Sanders Has Asked Him to End His Senate Campaign

Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday that he personally urged Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign, adding to mounting pressure on the candidate following a sexual assault allegation that has shaken one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races.

Sanders, who had been one of Platner’s most prominent early supporters, said on social media that he had “spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.” Platner has denied the allegation.

The Vermont independent said the allegation was serious enough that Platner should step aside, marking a dramatic reversal from his earlier backing of the progressive challenger. The allegations were first reported by Politico, which interviewed Jenny Racicot, a Maine woman who said she had been involved in an on-and-off romantic relationship with Platner. Racicot alleged that Platner entered her home while intoxicated and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections.

Platner has categorically denied the claim and has said he is reviewing “the best path forward” for his campaign while canceling public events. Sanders’ decision to publicly break with Platner further deepens the political crisis engulfing Democrats in Maine, where the party had viewed the race as one of its best opportunities to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins and gain ground in the Senate.

The senator’s comments place him alongside a growing list of Democratic leaders calling on Platner to withdraw, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and several New England Democrats who have concluded the allegations have made his candidacy untenable.

Platner, a Marine veteran and political newcomer, rose rapidly during the Democratic primary with a populist campaign focused on affordability, healthcare, and challenging the party establishment. His campaign also benefited from Sanders’ endorsement and appearances during the primary, helping energize progressive voters across the state.

However, his Senate bid had already weathered several controversies before the latest allegation. Earlier in the campaign, Platner faced scrutiny over past online posts, explicit messages sent while married, and questions surrounding a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism that he later covered. Those controversies prompted criticism but did not derail his successful primary campaign.

The latest allegation has proven far more damaging. National Democratic organizations have begun distancing themselves from Platner, while discussions have intensified over whether another Democrat could replace him on the ballot before Maine’s legal deadline.

Potential replacement names circulating among party leaders include former state Senate President Troy Jackson, former Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and other prominent Maine Democrats, although no consensus has emerged.

Platner has maintained his innocence, insisting the encounter was consensual and arguing that he intends to carefully consider his next steps. His campaign has not announced a final decision about whether he will remain in the race. According to state election law, Democrats could replace Platner on the general election ballot if he withdraws by July 13, with party officials required to choose a replacement nominee by July 27.

The controversy arrives at a pivotal moment for Democrats nationally. Republicans currently hold the Senate majority, and strategists have long viewed Maine as one of the party’s strongest pickup opportunities in the 2026 midterm elections. A prolonged dispute over the Democratic nominee could complicate efforts to mount a unified challenge against Collins in November.

As of Tuesday, no criminal charges had been announced in connection with Racicot’s allegations. The accusations remain allegations, and Platner has not been charged with any crime.