Leading Democrats in the US have withdrawn their support for Platner after the accusations against him | US midterm elections 2026 News

Monday’s criticism is the latest in a long line of controversy surrounding the Maine Democratic Senate candidate.

Leading US Democrats are withdrawing their support Maine Democratic Senate Graham Platner after his ex-girlfriend accused the politician of rape.

In an exclusive interview with Politico, which was published on Monday, Jenny Racicot said that Platner forced her to have sex with him at the end of 2021. She said that Platner entered her house in Maine uninvited when he was drunk and forced himself, although she repeatedly told him to stop.

Platner, whose position as a progressive activist has made him famous, has denied the allegations.

Following the Politico interview, the top US political parties and Democratic-leaning political parties have withdrawn their endorsement of Platner.

“I’ve always been clear that rape or violence against women is a red line,” said Democrat Ro Khanna, a member of the US House of Representatives, from California. “These allegations are very serious and true. Graham Platner should withdraw from the race. I withdraw my consent.”

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego also announced his intention to endorse, while the Maine Democratic Party asked Platner to withdraw his nomination.

The pro-democracy political group End Citizens United also agreed, calling the claims “deeply disturbing and disruptive”.

“The above information does not fully meet the expectations of our target audience,” End Citizens United said in a statement.

Hasan Piker, a left-wing commentator and observer who has supported Platner, appeared to change his position on Monday following the Politico report. “If new evidence presents itself, I will change my view – it’s that simple,” Piker said during the Twitch stream.

“This is a classic example of proven rape cases. It is impossible to redeem,” he said.

Platner won the Maine Democratic primary in April, defeating a moderate Democrat from the establishment wing of the party. The race is a must-win for Democrats, who are facing Republican Susan Collins. Maine state law allows Platner to be replaced by a ballot if he is out on July 13. A replacement must be named on July 27.

In a video released on social media, Platner denied the recent incident but said he was reconsidering his campaign.

“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reports but considering the political ramifications they may cause, we are taking time to consider the best way forward,” he said in the video.

Racicot’s objection is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Platner. A Marine who also works for a civilian defense contractor has a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol – which he denied knowing about and later covered up. He has also had a history of controversial comments on social media, as well as alleged sexting with other women shortly after marriage.