Democratic politicians in Massachusetts are racing to rescind endorsements and public support for controversial Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner amid a rape accusation levied against the troubled Democratic hopeful.
Massachusetts Democrats who were behind Platner all backed up their support on what they called the necessity of unseating Republican incumbent Maine Sen. Susan Collins.
But since the shocking allegations came to light Monday, Gov. Maura Healey, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Seth Moulton have all withdrawn either their endorsements or previously expressed support for Platner.
Warren was among the most notable supporters of Platner across the country, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who also pulled his endorsement on Tuesday. Warren and Sanders had joined Platner at countless campaign rallies in Maine while also advocating for the candidate on national television, despite mounting scandals that include a now-covered up tattoo of a Nazi symbol, his use of the Kik app – also known as “predators paradise,” to talk with women while he was married, and more.
Warren had even called Platner “my kind of man,” while campaigning for him.
“Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” Warren said in a statement released on Monday.
“With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race,” she said.
Sen. Sanders issued a statement saying he spoke to Platner, adding that “in light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Gov. Healey publicly backed Platner last month, first during an appearance on GBH radio, doubling when asked by the Herald during a media event at Gillette Stadium. Healey had stated on both occasions that she would be behind Platner in a November general election matchup against Collins.
“I believe her and the other survivors who’ve come forward about Graham Platner,” Healey posted to X on Monday. “Graham Platner should get out of this race now. He should have already.”
“The people of Maine deserve the opportunity to vote for someone they can trust to tell the truth, fight for their values, and defeat Susan Collins in November,” Healey added.
Healey had already endorsed fellow Democratic candidate and Maine Gov. Janet Mills, but she had suspended her campaign weeks earlier.
Markey had all but endorsed Platner up until June 10, when he posted his official endorsement of the candidate to social media. Markey even offered Platner’s campaign room at their table at the Massachusetts Democratic Convention in May, where Platner staffers solicited donations and volunteers.
“The allegations reported against Graham Platner are deeply disturbing and must be taken seriously. I cannot support his candidacy,” said Markey in a short statement posted to his social media accounts.
Markey’s endorsement came after he tried to remain silent on the race until an early-June appearance on CNN, where he notably dodged endorsing Platner. Markey instead complimented his platform and his opposition to President Donald Trump and his policies when pressed a CNN host.
Moulton took the same tune as Markey on the same CNN program, stopping short of an endorsement while highlighting the need to defeat Sen. Collins in November. Unlike Markey, Moulton never offered an official endorsement of Platner.
“Jenny Racicot chose truth over political convenience, despite deeply believing in the progressive goals Graham Platner espoused. Her account must be believed and respected, and we must honor her courage,” Moulton posted to X on Monday.
“These are serious, disturbing allegations. Graham Platner must formally drop out now so the voters can choose a replacement to carry the movement’s torch and beat Susan Collins this November,” he said.
Also unlike Markey, Moulton was caught on camera last month hitting the phone out of a person’s hands who had asked him if would offer Platner his endorsement.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-06) also walked back her support of Platner in a Monday post to X, calling on him to suspend his campaign.
Platner has denied the allegations but canceled a series of town hall events scheduled this week and said Monday the campaign was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” This as the party remains divided on who should replace him.
This latest allegation involves a woman, Jenny Racicot, who claims Platner assaulted her in 2021. The woman, who had previously dated the first-time candidate, said he drunkenly forced her to have sex with him after she told him to stop.
Collins issued only a brief statement.
“These allegations are appalling,” the incumbant Senator said. “Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate.”
State law allows Platner to be replaced on the ballot if he withdraws by July 13. The replacement candidate must be named by July 27.
Platner became a populist hero among the party’s left flank, pulling far ahead of the Democrat establishment-backed Mills.
Now, if he quits the contest, progressive groups are demanding that the Maine’s Democratic Party choose a similarly shake-up-the-system candidate to replace him.
— The Associated Press contributed to this report —
