Platner calls sexual assault allegation 'categorically untrue' as he considers Senate bid's future

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner has denied a sexual assault allegation reported by Politico and announced he is assessing his campaign's future. The allegation, made by a woman he dated between 2019 and 2021, has thrown a key Senate race into turmoil, with several campaign events reportedly canceled, according to Fox News.

Fox NewsExplosive sexual assault allegation rocks Platner campaign ahead of key deadline in crucial Senate race

Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico that Platner forced her to have sex while he was drunk, an account Platner forcefully rejected. In a statement, Platner called the claim "troubling, serious, and false" and said he and his campaign would "reflect on the best path forward" regarding his candidacy, Rolling Stone reported.

Rolling StoneMaine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Denies Sexual Assault Allegation, Weighs Campaign Future

"categorically untrue."

NPRPlatner denies sexual assault allegation, but says he will assess 'best path forward'

Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, has faced a series of scandals in his run for the Senate, The Guardian noted. The timing of the accusation is critical: Fox News reported that a key deadline in the race is approaching, and the candidate is now taking time to decide whether to continue.

The GuardianWoman accuses Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault

In his statement, Platner emphasized that he is "taking the time to reflect" on his candidacy, according to Congress. The developments have injected uncertainty into a contest that national Democrats had viewed as potentially competitive, and Platner’s future remains unclear as he weighs what he called the "best path forward."

CongressPlatner says he is ‘taking the time to reflect’ on his candidacy