U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich has rescinded his endorsement of Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner following allegations of sexual assault against the candidate, joining a growing list of prominent Democrats calling on Platner to end his campaign.
Heinrich, who had backed Platner during Maine’s closely watched Democratic primary, said he could “no longer support” the nominee after a former partner publicly accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in 2021. Platner has denied the allegation, calling any accusation of nonconsensual conduct “categorically false,” while acknowledging the controversy has placed his campaign in jeopardy and saying he is evaluating his next steps.
The allegations have triggered a swift political fallout in one of Democrats’ most competitive Senate races of the 2026 election cycle. Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand, have urged Platner to withdraw. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also announced it will not invest in the race if Platner remains the party’s nominee.
Heinrich’s decision marks a reversal from his earlier support of Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and progressive candidate whose insurgent campaign attracted endorsements from several nationally known Democrats after he secured the nomination. Other lawmakers who have since withdrawn their endorsements include Ruben Gallego and Ro Khanna, both of whom cited the seriousness of the allegations in announcing their decisions.
The accusation stems from claims by Platner’s former partner, Jenny Racicot, who alleged that Platner entered her home while intoxicated in 2021 and sexually assaulted her despite repeated objections. The account was reported this week and has prompted renewed scrutiny of Platner, who has already faced previous controversies involving past social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi-era symbol that he later covered. Platner has consistently denied wrongdoing related to the latest allegation and has disputed the characterization of earlier controversies.
In a video statement released after the allegation became public, Platner rejected the accusation and said the reporting was inaccurate. He nevertheless acknowledged the political consequences facing his campaign and said his team would take time to determine the “best path forward.”
The controversy has placed Democrats in a difficult position as they seek to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a race viewed as one of the party’s best pickup opportunities. Under Maine law, Platner would need to withdraw by July 13 for Democrats to nominate a replacement candidate before the general election.
As pressure mounted Tuesday, Maine Democratic Party leaders also called on Platner to step aside, saying the allegations warrant the highest level of scrutiny and emphasizing the party’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence. Whether Platner remains in the race is expected to determine Democrats’ strategy in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate contests.
