Schumer And Gillibrand Call On Graham Platner To Drop Out After Rape Allegation

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand are calling on Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to immediately withdraw from the race after a former girlfriend accused him of rape.

The demand marks a major escalation in the political fallout surrounding Platner, who has denied the allegation and called it false. The accusation has thrown Maine Democrats into crisis as the party faces a key Senate contest against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Platner’s ex-girlfriend alleged that he raped her during a 2021 incident after arriving at her home intoxicated and refusing to accept her repeated objections. The allegation followed earlier claims from former partners who accused him of abusive behavior and disturbing comments.

Schumer and Gillibrand said Platner should step aside immediately, arguing that the seriousness of the allegation makes it impossible for him to continue as the Democratic nominee.

Other Democrats have also moved to distance themselves from Platner, with Rep. Ro Khanna withdrawing his endorsement and urging him to end his campaign.

Maine Democrats are now facing pressure to act quickly, since state election deadlines could determine whether the party has time to replace Platner on the ballot before the general election.