Maine Senate Race in Turmoil: Platner Faces Abuse Allegations, Dropout Calls

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for a Maine Senate seat, is canceling fundraisers and pausing television ads. The moves follow a wave of abuse allegations and rising pressure from fellow Democrats to drop out of the race.

On Monday, Jenny Racicot said Platner forced her to have sex with him about five years ago. She said he was intoxicated and entered her home in 2021, assaulting her while she told him to stop. Platner called the accusations "categorically untrue." He said he is taking time to "reflect on the best path forward" for his campaign.

A second woman, Lyndsey Fifield, who previously accused Platner of violence, said she was heartened by the calls for him to suspend his campaign. Fifield told CNN that Platner repeatedly grabbed her, sometimes leaving bruises, and once blocked her inside a bedroom. She also said he removed condoms without consent. Platner's campaign dismissed Fifield's allegations as "categorically untrue" and said they came "from a person with a well-documented political agenda." Fifield's accusations were first reported by the New York Times last month.

The calls for Platner to drop out have intensified. Senator Bernie Sanders, a former supporter, said Tuesday the allegations are "very serious." New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called dropping out "the only appropriate response," according to The Guardian.

The Democratic party is split on what happens next. Progressive leaders argue that a replacement should also come from the party's progressive wing. "To the Democratic establishment: This is not your opening," said Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, a group created after Sanders' 2016 campaign.

The party has until Monday to replace Platner on the ballot if he withdraws. A decision may come before the weekend to allow the party to organize a replacement.

The Maine race is one of the most closely watched in the 2024 cycle. Republican incumbent Susan Collins is seeking reelection. Nonpartisan analysts at the Cook Political Report rate the race as a toss-up and say the outcome could determine which party controls the Senate, a variable that shapes market expectations for fiscal policy and judicial appointments. The current Senate is split 50-50, with Vice President Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. Collins' seat is one of the few that Democrats see as a potential pickup.

Political analysts said the situation introduces significant uncertainty. A Platner withdrawal could give Democrats a chance to field a stronger candidate. The infighting over a replacement could sap momentum. The progressive wing is pushing for a candidate aligned with Sanders, while moderate Democrats might see an opportunity to nominate a more centrist figure. The cancellation of fundraisers and ad pauses indicate the campaign is in crisis, political analysts said.

Platner must decide by Monday whether to stay in the race.