NOW PLAYING
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) on Monday called on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw as the Democratic nominee.
“The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing –– violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable,” Schumer and Gillibrand said in a joint statement. “Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate” who can defeat Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Schumer and Gillibrand concluded their statement saying the Senate Democrats campaign arm “will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”
Politico interviewed Maine resident Jenny Racicot, Platner’s former girlfriend who described an incident in 2021 when she said Platner allegedly sexually assaulted her while heavily intoxicated. The outlet reviewed various documents, including emails Racicot exchanged with her therapist, and spoke with an acquaintance who warned Racicot against becoming involved with Platner years ago.
Racicot told CNN’s Jake Tapper in an interview that she wanted to get her life back after staying silent since 2021. She dismissed any notion that the revelations were politically motivated, saying she supports Platner’s politics and believes “we need somebody with those political stances and who are willing to do the work.”
Democratic candidates and other Democratic lawmakers have also called on Platner to drop out of the race, including Rep. Ro Khanna (Calif.), Sen. Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Rep. Ritchie Torres (N.Y.) and Florida Senate candidate Alex Vindman.
“The allegations reported today are appalling,” Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) wrote on social media. “If accurate, they reveal conduct that is completely unacceptable and incompatible with the integrity we should demand from those seeking office. I can no longer support Graham Platner’s candidacy. He should step aside.”
End Citizens United also withdrew its endorsement for Platner. Tiffany Muller, the PAC’s president, wrote in a statement that Platner’s alleged conduct “described is fundamentally inconsistent with the standards we expect from the candidates we support.”
Maine’s Democratic Party called for a candidate “who represents our values and who carries our banner” in withdrawing its support.
Left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has endorsed and campaigned for other progressive candidates across the country, said he believed Racicot’s allegations and said that it was “curtains” for Platner’s campaign.
“It’s irredeemable,” he said on his stream Monday.
Platner has denied any wrongdoing, accusing Politico’s reporting of “inaccuracy” in a video posted on his social media. He said, however, that he would be “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for Maine, the people he loves, his movement and “the goal of defeating Susan Collins.”
Caroline Vakil contributed reporting.
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Alex Vindman Chuck Schumer Jake Tapper Kirsten Gillibrand Martin Heinrich Ritchie Torres Ro Khanna Ruben Gallego Susan CollinsCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore Campaign News
See All
Campaign Piker on Platner: ‘That is curtains’ by Ryan Mancini 2 hours ago Campaign / 2 hours ago 
