Warren Demands Graham Platner Withdraw from Maine Senate Race Amid Sexual Assault Claims

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has called on Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, to step aside following sexual assault allegations made by a woman who previously dated him.

“Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values,” Warren stated in a press release. “There can be no tolerance for sexual assault.”

The senator emphasized that working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to address economic issues and hold President Donald Trump accountable. She added, “With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”

According to a Politico report released Monday, Jenny Racicot told investigators that Platner drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop. The allegations have prompted prominent supporters to withdraw their endorsements and created significant turmoil in the must-win race for the party.

Warren had endorsed Platner during his primary campaign despite his status as a first-time candidate with a history of controversial social media posts and a Nazi symbol tattoo on his chest.

In response, Platner denied the allegations in a video posted on social media. He is currently challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins, whose seat is considered one of the most vulnerable for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.

“We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” Platner said.

Following the report, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., jointly demanded that Platner withdraw from the race. The leaders stated: “The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing — violence, abuse, and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable. 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 Susan Collins. The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”

Under Maine law, Democrats have until July 13 to remove Platner from the race. If he withdraws, the state party would have two weeks to select a replacement nominee. The Maine Democratic Party has also urged him to exit the race.