Graham Platner Denies Sexual Assault Allegations Amid Senate Campaign

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Maine, is facing allegations of sexual assault. These accusations follow a series of scandals related to his past behavior toward women. According to Politico, a former girlfriend claims that Platner entered her rural Maine home in 2021, “deeply intoxicated,” and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections. NPR has not verified these claims independently.

In response, Platner denied the allegations, labeling them as troubling, serious, and false. He stated, “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” His campaign echoed this denial, calling the accusations “very serious” but claiming they were “coached and coordinated by out-of-state establishment operatives.”

Platner emphasized his commitment to Maine in his campaign statement, saying, “Graham began this campaign to fight for a Maine where everyone is treated with dignity and where Mainers are put first, and no amount of desperate smears will stop this movement from seeing that vision through.” In a social media video, he acknowledged the political impact of the allegations, stating they are reflecting on the best path forward for the state and the movement.

The allegations have significant implications for the Democratic Party’s efforts to regain a Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats need to gain four seats to take control of the Senate, and Maine is pivotal to their strategy. President Trump lost Maine in 2024, and Democrats believe Senator Susan Collins may be vulnerable. However, the controversies surrounding Platner have complicated these efforts.

Since his campaign launch last August, Platner has faced multiple scandals. In June, The New York Times reported accounts from women who described his behavior as unsettling. They claimed Platner could be demeaning and, at times, physically threatening. Platner admitted to experiencing a “dark period” in his life, abusing alcohol, and being “a far from perfect boyfriend.” He denied being physically threatening, calling such claims “just not true.”

Additional reports revealed Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with women during the early stages of his marriage. His campaign confirmed these events. Old Reddit posts resurfaced, showing Platner making insensitive comments about Black and LGBTQ+ people and disparaging sexual assault victims. Platner also acknowledged he unknowingly got a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol in 2007, which he later covered up.

Throughout his campaign, Platner discussed his past struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, resulting from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He presents these experiences as part of his authenticity and relatability to voters. “It’s very clear that here in the state of Maine, the voters really do understand that I am who I claim to be,” Platner told NPR.

The new allegations question Platner’s campaign viability, with some Democrats calling for him to withdraw. Platner must end his Senate bid by July 13 for Maine Democrats to nominate a replacement before the general election. If he steps down, “a political committee” would have until July 27 to select a new candidate, per Maine elections law.