Platner Drops Senate Race Amid Assault Claims | Philadelphia News

Philadelphia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner has dropped out of the race after a woman accused him of sexual assault five years ago — a claim he denies but says has forced him to step aside under mounting pressure. The sudden exit upends a pivotal Senate contest where Democrats were eyeing a win against Senator Susan Collins, and now the party must pick a new candidate by July 27. The accuser, Jenny Racicot, said Platner broke into her home and assaulted her, while Platner’s team called the allegations “desperate smears,” suggesting they were politically orchestrated. Prominent Democrats, including…