Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Accused of Rape by Former Girlfriend

A woman has publicly accused Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, of raping her in late 2021 while they were dating. Jenny Racicot, 41, claims that Platner entered her home without permission and assaulted her while he was heavily intoxicated. Platner has denied the allegations.

In an interview, Racicot stated that the incident occurred in November or December 2021, after she had asked him not to come over. She described how Platner forcibly had sex with her despite her repeated demands for him to stop, resulting in physical injuries. The following morning, she said he acted as if nothing had happened and claimed he could not remember the events of the previous night.

Racicot did not report the incident to authorities at the time and ended her relationship with Platner shortly afterward. She later decided to come forward with her story, stating that she felt it was important for voters to know about Platner's past. Platner's campaign has labeled the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that they are false and coordinated by outside operatives.

As of now, Platner's campaign is navigating the fallout from these allegations, which come as he seeks to secure a Senate seat in the upcoming election.