Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race following a sexual assault allegation, intensifying pressure on the Democratic candidate as the party scrambles for a potential replacement.
Jenny Racicot, 41, accused Platner of entering her home without permission in late 2021 and forcing himself on her, according to a report published Monday by Politico. Platner called the allegation "categorically false" and has denied the accusation. The Senate Democrats' campaign arm has said it will not invest in the race if Platner remains on the ballot.
Under Maine law, Platner must end his campaign by 5 p.m. ET on July 13 for Democrats to replace him, with the party then having until July 27 to select a new nominee. Potential replacements include Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, Dan Kleban, and Shenna Bellows. The Maine Democratic Party stated the replacement process will be open and transparent.