Graham Platner Faces New Allegations Amid Senate Campaign Turmoil

Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is embroiled in controversy following a second accusation of sexual impropriety, coming just 24 hours after an initial accusation of rape. These developments occur as a critical campaign deadline approaches.

The Washington Post reported that Platner was accused of removing condoms during intercourse with his ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, despite her clear instructions for him to use them. Fifield stated, “He would pull condoms off. He would do it in a sneaky way. He wouldn’t tell me.”

Previously, Fifield accused Platner of physical misconduct, claiming he sometimes grabbed her forcefully enough to leave marks and once twisted her arm, pushed her into a bedroom, and held the door closed. Her concerns were downplayed by Platner’s supporters, who viewed her as a conservative operative due to her time at The Heritage Foundation.

Fifield further explained, “I confronted him both during and after because he knew I was not on birth control and how risky that was.” The Post noted Fifield made these allegations previously, though they were initially off the record.

Platner’s campaign dismissed the latest allegations as “categorically false and politically motivated.” He is running to unseat Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins.

Another woman accused Platner of rape on Monday. Jenny Racicot claimed to Politico that Platner, while drunk, entered her home in 2021 and raped her. Racicot recalled Platner being forceful and ignoring her multiple requests to stop.

Platner denied the accusations in a video and emphasized his campaign was evaluating its next steps, with a pivotal deadline approaching. He must withdraw by 5 p.m. on July 13 for the Democratic Party to replace him before the November election.

Amid the scandal, prominent supporters like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders withdrew their endorsements. Warren stated, “There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” and urged Platner to step down. Sanders added, “In light of these serious allegations, I have recommended he step aside.”