Platner Drops Campaign Amid Assault Claims | Minneapolis News

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

Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner is stepping down after a woman accused him of sexual assault five years ago — a claim he denies but says has forced him out due to overwhelming pressure from his own party. His withdrawal shakes up the race to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins, giving Democrats until July 27 to pick a replacement. The accuser, Jenny Racicot, said Platner entered her home uninvited and assaulted her, while Platner’s campaign initially called the allegations “coordinated smears.” Top Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, urged him to quit, and major endorsements and…