The People Who Stood By Graham Platner — Until He Was Accused of Rape
The Democratic Party is facing upheaval as Graham Platner, its nominee for the US Senate in Maine, faces a rape accusation that threatens to end his campaign. Platner has denied the allegation, but many Democratic politicians and organizations have called on him to drop out of the race. The scandal has sparked a scramble to find a replacement nominee and raised questions about the party's vetting process and its approach to outsider candidates.
- ▪Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in Maine, has been accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot.
- ▪Platner has denied the allegation, but many Democratic politicians and organizations have called on him to drop out of the race.
- ▪The scandal has sparked a scramble to find a replacement nominee, with Maine Democrats needing to pick a new candidate by July 27 if Platner withdraws.
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The People Who Stood By Graham Platner — Until He Was Accused of Rape Democratic strategist Adam Carlson backed Platner through all his other scandals. He says he shares the blame, but that people are learning the wrong lessons. The Intercept Briefing July 7 2026, 8:30 p.m. ET Share Copy link Share on Facebook Share on Bluesky Share on X Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 on June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine. Photo: Laura Brett/Getty Images The Democratic Party is once again in upheaval as Graham Platner, its unconventional nominee to knock out longtime Republican Sen.
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