Trump Says Replacing Graham Platner Will Be ‘Very Hard’ For Democrats
President Donald Trump said Democrats could face serious difficulties replacing Graham Platner in Maine’s closely watched Senate race after the embattled candidate suspended his campaign following a rape allegation.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said replacing a nominee who already won the Democratic primary would be “very hard for them to do.”
Platner announced that he was ending his campaign after his former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, accused him of raping her in 2021. Platner has strongly denied the allegation and said his decision to step aside should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.
Despite announcing the suspension of his campaign, Platner must formally withdraw before Maine’s July 13 deadline for Democrats to replace him on the ballot.
Trump said the controversy ultimately comes down to whether voters believe the accusation, noting that false allegations sometimes occur. He also questioned why an earlier abuse accusation against Platner received far less media attention.
Republican strategist Lyndsey Fifield previously accused Platner of physically assaulting her during a past relationship. Fifield has criticized media outlets for emphasizing her Republican affiliation while discussing the allegation.
Platner’s campaign collapsed rapidly after prominent Democrats withdrew their support and demanded that he leave the race. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Ro Khanna were among those calling for his withdrawal.
Platner had defeated former Maine Gov. Janet Mills in the Democratic primary and was preparing to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.
Maine Democrats are now scrambling to find a replacement candidate capable of taking on Collins. Several possible contenders have emerged, but the party faces a tight timeline and the challenge of uniting behind someone who did not win the primary.
Trump suggested that the turmoil could significantly weaken Democratic efforts to defeat Collins and gain control of the Senate.