Two Democratic members of Congress withdrew their endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday following new allegations made against the Democratic nominee, marking the latest development in a controversy that has continued to grow during the campaign, as reported by PJ Media.
According to reports, Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona both ended their support for Platner after new allegations surfaced. Khanna also called on Platner to end his Senate campaign.
The latest allegations were reported by Politico, which published an account from Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident who said she dated Platner nearly five years ago.
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Racicot alleged that Platner forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections.
Politico reported that Racicot described the alleged incident during three interviews conducted over a two-week period.
The publication also reported speaking with a man she dated afterward and reviewing documents that included emails between Racicot and her therapist, along with messages in which she warned an acquaintance about becoming involved with Platner before he entered politics.
Following publication of the report, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kristen Cianci issued a statement criticizing the Democratic candidate.
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“These allegations are horrifying and describe, in clear and graphic detail, something no woman should be forced to experience,” Cianci said.
“The more layers of Graham Platner’s past emerge, the more irrefutable his pattern of violent, disgusting behavior becomes.”
Platner has denied the allegations. Following the latest report, he announced that he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" for his candidacy.
The controversy comes after earlier reports involving Platner's personal history had already generated public debate during the campaign.
Previous allegations concerning his conduct had been publicly reported before the latest accusation emerged.
Last month, Khanna discussed Platner during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, where he acknowledged believing women who had previously accused the candidate of abusive behavior while also discussing Platner's statements about his past.
"He did two, three tours of duty in Iraq. He came back with PTSD. That's not an excuse," Khanna said.
"But he said that he had a problem with alcohol. He had an ugly period in his life. And he believes that he is transformed and he's had redemption."
Khanna also pointed to the outcome of Maine's Democratic primary.
"And the voters of Maine had a choice, and they voted for him by 72%," Khanna continued. "At this point, almost the entire Democratic Party is supporting him."
He added that voters would ultimately determine whether Platner had changed.
"And it's for the voters to decide whether they believe his transformation is sincere," Khanna added.
"I believe that they will make that determination. But I do believe that people have to extend grace to folks who own up to past mistakes and say that they've transformed and that they are better."
Monday's decision by Khanna and Gallego to withdraw their endorsements represented a significant shift from their earlier support for Platner.
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 (@RoKhanna) July 6, 2026
The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious.
I am rescinding my endorsement. — Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) July 6, 2026
Khanna's call for the candidate to leave the race came after the newest allegations were made public.
The developments occurred as Platner's campaign entered a critical period ahead of the state's ballot deadline.
Neither Khanna's office nor Gallego's office immediately issued additional public statements beyond announcing the withdrawal of their endorsements.
Platner has continued to deny the allegations against him while considering the future of his campaign.
The latest accusations and the loss of support from prominent Democratic lawmakers add further uncertainty to the Maine Senate race as candidates continue campaigning.
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