I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.--Ro Khanna
Latest on Maine Senate Race: Democratic nominee Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, faces fresh rumors of an impending damaging revelation as of July 6, 2026, with multiple campaign events postponed amid speculation of explicit material tied to his past Kik app use.
New Sexual Assault Allegation: A woman who dated Platner has accused him of forcing non-consensual sex in late 2021 despite her objections, per a Politico report; Platner denies the claim, framing it as a desperate smear while his campaign says he is reflecting on the path forward.
Jenny Racicot (a 41-year-old Maine woman who had an on-and-off casual dating relationship with Platner for over two years) made the most serious recent allegation.
What she alleges happened (late 2021): Platner entered her rural Maine home uninvited one night while she was on the couch. He was heavily intoxicated (she described him as “almost blackout drunk,” with alcohol on his breath).
He climbed on top of her, indicated sexual intentions, and grabbed her (including her pelvis/chest area) while she repeatedly told him to stop and said she wasn’t interested.
He ignored her protests, knocked things over (e.g., spilling needles from a sewing kit), followed her when she tried to move, and forced non-consensual sex despite her objections.
She said she eventually “complied” out of fear for her safety and later told him the encounter was not consensual. She cut off contact afterward.
Racicot had previously described Platner’s behavior to the New York Times (June 2026 article) as “reckless” and “unsettling” without detailing the assault, but expanded publicly after that story’s coverage focused on another woman (Lyndsey Fifield). She says she confided in a therapist and others at the time, and Politico/CNN verified aspects of her account.
Platner's Background and Laura Loomer Context: Amid national scrutiny, well-connected investigative journalist Laura Loomer-known for her accurate insider scoops-has highlighted vulnerabilities in Democratic candidates like Platner, whose prior scandals include offensive Reddit posts, a covered-up tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and sexting allegations, further pressuring his bid.
Latest on Maine Senate Race: Democratic nominee Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, faces fresh rumors of an impending damaging revelation as of July 6, 2026, with multiple campaign events postponed amid speculation of explicit material tied to his past Kik app use.
I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.--Ro Khanna
New Sexual Assault Allegation: A woman who dated Platner has accused him of forcing non-consensual sex in late 2021 despite her objections, per a Politico report; Platner denies the claim, framing it as a desperate smear while his campaign says he is reflecting on the path forward.
Platner's Background and Laura Loomer Context: Amid national scrutiny, well-connected investigative journalist Laura Loomer-known for her accurate insider scoops-has highlighted vulnerabilities in Democratic candidates like Platner, whose prior scandals include offensive Reddit posts, a covered-up tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and sexting allegations, further pressuring his bid.
Platner (a Marine veteran, oyster farmer, and progressive) won the Democratic primary in June despite a string of prior scandals. He's now facing Susan Collins in November in a key race.
Current situation (pending revelations)
Platner has postponed/canceled multiple campaign events this week (e.g., town halls in Augusta, Gorham, Sanford). Rumors are swirling among Maine Democrats and on social media about a new story incoming. Betting markets like Polymarket have seen odds on him dropping out surge.
Speculation on X and elsewhere includes more explicit Kik-related material (e.g., nudes or content that "could've" reached minors, though much of this is unverified hearsay). Some reports cite sources suggesting he may drop out soon, with deadlines under Maine law for withdrawal and replacement (by mid-to-late July).
His campaign hasn't fully responded to the latest rumors, and no major outlet has published a confirmed new bombshell yet. Collins remains the favorite in polls amid all this.
This fits the pattern of his campaign: a lot of personal baggage from his past that he's asked voters to move past while positioning as an anti-establishment fighter. Things are fluid-watch Bangor Daily News, local Maine outlets, or national wires for updates.
Background on prior issues
- Offensive old Reddit posts (e.g., downplaying sexual assault, controversial racial comments) that he deleted and apologized for.
- A tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol (Totenkopf), which he said he didn't recognize as such and later covered up.
- Extramarital sexting: Reports (from NYT, WSJ, etc.) that his wife Amy Gertner discovered him sending explicit messages to multiple women (campaign estimates: ~6; ex-aide said up to a dozen) early in their marriage, via the app Kik. She flagged it to the campaign during vetting. His Kik profile had a shirtless/towel selfie. He and his wife have framed it as a private matter they addressed in counseling.
- Allegations from ex-girlfriends (via NYT) of "unsettling" or intimidating behavior, like grabbing, which he denies as politically motivated.
Democrats have mostly stuck with him publicly (he's raised money and kept some endorsements), but there's private anxiety about the "drip" hurting the party's Senate chances.
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