Exclusive: Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her
Source: Politico
A woman who dated Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner says he forced her to have sex with him nearly five years ago despite her repeated objections, an allegation Platner denies.
The woman, a 41-year-old Maine resident named Jenny Racicot, detailed the alleged incident to POLITICO in three interviews over the past two weeks. POLITICO also spoke with a man Racicot dated and confided in the years after the alleged incident, and reviewed documents, including emails between Racicot and her therapist and messages between Racicot and an acquaintance whom she warned against getting involved with Platner years before he ran for office.
Racicot said she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, who is now the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, for more than two years before he entered her rural Maine home uninvited one night in late 2021, deeply intoxicated, and forced himself on her while she repeatedly told him to stop. She said she cut off contact with him after telling him the encounter was not consensual.
“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’”
Platner denied the allegations.
“These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue,” he said in a statement.
Racicot previously described “reckless” and “unsettling” behavior by Platner to The New York Times, but says she didn’t go public with the specific assault claim because she didn’t want to be known as a rape victim.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737
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Marie Marie
(11,659 posts)If true - he deserves accountability. If not true, then once again the GOP will succeed in smearing and cheating their way into another win. Either way, Susan may benefit from his dirt rather than her record.
Vinca
(54,621 posts)
obamanut2012
(29,746 posts)Scandals from this dude.
pat_k
(14,645 posts)My opinion doesn't matter, but I'd be a hell of a lot happier if they picked David Costello over Mills. I just don't see people getting excited about Mills. Costello was gaining ground when the first NYT reports dropped. There just wasn't enough time before the primary for people to take a closer look at him.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)So, why don't you just hand it to Susan on a silver platter. A note of congratulations would be nice. 
pat_k
(14,645 posts)Campaigning in one state is a hell of a lot different that mounting a national campaign.
As QuietEm points out Maine will be OK. There are options. For example, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Joe Baldacci, or even David Costello
My only hope is that they DO NOT go with Mills.
They need someone who inspires the people inspired by Platner.
It sounds like Troy Jackson campaigned with Platner and may be a good choice to take the movement forward.
There is time between now and the general to gather support behind a new nominee in a single state.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)
awesomerwb1
(5,192 posts) 
2naSalit
(105,186 posts)But I recall almost being tombstoned before the primary for not wanting to vote for him citing these exact issues. But I was castigated for "purity testing" this guy, which I was not.
So don't blame me that everyone else was head over heals for a the guy, I was not and this is exactly why.
Shiny new object makes many leave the sensible choices behind.
drray23
(8,872 posts)I am not a Mainer but we spend at least one month every year there. We have dear friends in Rockport and often do the trip from Virginia to stay there. Maine is dear to my heart, I love the people, the food and the environment. I am only familiar with coastal maine.
2naSalit
(105,186 posts)Ont the coast, moved away in my early teens. Came back last year, now in the north woods and loving it. Coming home wasn't all that hard after all.
I voted in Maine for the first time this year and I was hoping for Mills to take the nomination. She is the only state-wide elected candidate who has won more than once. She said that all the 'novices' who had run against collins in the past lost to her.
If what's his name stays in, we'll see collins win again.
Blasphemer
(3,647 posts)2naSalit
(105,186 posts)four within and hour. But that was then, this now and time for his fans to reflect on their enthusiasm for him. I feel vindicated, not happy about it but there it is.
COL Mustard
(8,504 posts)You did get creamed! I don't think I've seen anyone with 4 hidden posts. At least they'll all fall off in 90 days.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)Anyone checked her bank accounts lately?
niyad
(135,669 posts)paleotn
(23,203 posts)Unless you've got some mystical pipeline to info no one but the accused and accuser has, it's all conjecture. And very helpful conjecture for Susan Collins AFTER the Dem primary. She made accusations prior. Why did she not come completely clean then? She had little reason not to. All I'm saying is stranger things have happened in politics. It would certainly be more than worth it for some if Republicans retained control of the Senate. Very, very much worth it.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)My judgment is tempered in a number of ways. Cui bono to start with. Who benefits? Secondly, why now? Why not before the Dem primary when this first came out? Or was this purposefully held back? That doesn't necessarily mean she's lying. But it could mean she's being played even if she's telling the truth. Or, this is entirely a fabrication built on what Platner has already admitted to. Don't know for sure.
I would hope these things are run like they use to be. There's an opposite to opposition research. One person in my family, an old time political operator, called it "empty your pockets." A candidate needed to divulge everything that could possibly be dug up and used against them. Then they strategized on how it could be used, embellished, and what they would do to counteract the damage, knowing full well that in bare knuckle politics (like there's any other?) it was bound to come out. Or said family member could simply walk away, knowing the candidacy was doomed eventually and rightly so in some cases. To him, defense was just as important as offense. That person heavily colors my views on politics. An old time, FDR Dem and the root of my Machiavellian streak. It's said he could have made Carl Rove blush but he would have admired Rove's ability to turn an opponent's strength into their weakness.
Surely to God Platner's team did this and this isn't freaking amateur hour. That's always been my worst fear about him. Perhaps they didn't do that. Perhaps not comprehensively. Maybe he didn't divulge it. That would have made a certain old campaign manager I once knew extremely angry. The next 24 to 48 hours will tell. I'm holding judgment until then and others should too.
niyad
(135,669 posts)both during the primary and today, indicated, ALL that information was out there. We posted about it, repeatedly. In return, we were castigated, scorned, reported, told that if we were not Maine voters, we had no right to speak. I read the entire oppo report. And yet, here we are.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)That's not saying she's lying per say. That's saying I don't trust Republicans to tell the entire truth. Control of the Senate is worth enough for them to go to extremes to protect it. I know it's an emotional issue, but lets see where this goes. Lets see if he can defend this. His initial defense before the primary seemed pre-planned. But if he's winging it, i.e. amateur hour, he's probably cooked. And there's little time to rev up an alternate candidate, but that may be the best alternative. It's a damn mess either way. What really bothers me is the excitement he engendered in the Dem electorate. Even with the baggage. What a damn waste if he's done. Shades of Gary Hart.
Cha
(321,699 posts)You were right, and so were a lot of the other people on this issue!
2naSalit
(105,186 posts)Though it sucks that this is what it's come to.
I was kind of looking forward to writing him a letter every week.
Chasstev365
(8,449 posts)Blasphemer
(3,647 posts)The article says, "She told Politico she hesitated to make her claim public because she had a 'huge moral conflict' between supporting Platner’s politics and not supporting him as a person."
I can understand being hopeful about a primary outcome that would avoid having to go public.
Bok_Tukalo
(4,553 posts)Unless The New York Times suppressed it.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)We can go round and round with this till doomsday. I don't know that and neither do you know what you're surmising. But boy there are some folks here with a level of "certainty" that makes me want to hit them up for stock picks. Veritable soothsayers. 
paleotn
(23,203 posts)But folks seem to enjoy helping out Susan Collins in any way they can.
mcar
(46,677 posts)But all people focused on was the one Republican woman - they ignored the rest. Perhaps we should be looking at those who ignored/downplayed credible accusations to trash the women who bravely spoke up.
CousinIT
(12,930 posts)Not sure what now. 
What is certain is that Democrats will likely not take over the US Senate. I HOPE I'M WRONG!
drray23
(8,872 posts)It was pretty obvious that something like this would emerge as soon as he is the nominee.
Now, I don't judge whether or not it is true or a manufactured accusation like some will not doubt claim, the fact is , it was an obvious vulnerability.
I do tend to believe women in cases like this and from what is being described, the reporters did gather a number of corroboration.
Whether its an attempt to smear Platner or not, its going to significantly alter the race.
That's why you don't run newcomers with zero experience and a past with problematic behavior even if they are young and say the right things.
Raven123
(8,076 posts)I can’t help but wonder how this has just emerged. Has the media been calling her after her initial comments? There is a lot about this that is unsettling.
AloeVera
(4,709 posts)But no doubt others have...ever since the NYT story came out.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,792 posts)They are scared to death of him. Unless there is actual unmitigated proof, ignore and move on.
sarisataka
(23,141 posts)or just conditional?
2naSalit
(105,186 posts)It's conditional, same as it ever was.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,792 posts)sarisataka
(23,141 posts)"Unless there is actual unmitigated proof, ignore and move on"
ignore and move on sounds like the decision has been made.
LiberalLovinLug
(14,792 posts)So until it has......Democrats are playing into the hands of the Fascists if they fold the tent as a "precaution". Grow a damn spine! Ignore and move on.
yardwork
(70,136 posts)paleotn
(23,203 posts)yardwork
(70,136 posts)paleotn
(23,203 posts)Got any tips on where the NASDAQ is going this week as well? So many seem to know the unknowable, I had to ask.
sarisataka
(23,141 posts)At the moment I am neither accepting nor rejecting the allegations. I said as much in a different thread.
paleotn
(23,203 posts)If what's being said is true and not a Republican hit job, than he very well may deserve his fate and Maine Dems will have to pick up the pieces as best they can. If not, many here are doing Republican work for them. Seems Dems are usually their own worst enemies. Pukes just seed the rhetoric and Dems do all the work. One wonders how we win any elections.
sarisataka
(23,141 posts)Because it often turns out they are on fire or going in the wrong direction.
Democrats do have a history of shooting ourselves in the foot. Sometimes supporting someone we shouldn't or not supporting someone we should
paleotn
(23,203 posts)
sheshe2
(99,165 posts)paleotn
(23,203 posts)Now what was all that about equality and fairness?
sarisataka
(23,141 posts)I do not know not know what the evidence is however, there's plenty of people who've made up their mind the allegations are false without seeing any evidence either way.
I have seen a post that says it can only be true if he admits guilt. Is that the new, progressive ideal, a woman's allegations are false by default, until the man admits guilt?
paleotn
(23,203 posts)Unless you're able to peer into people's hearts and minds. And while you're doing that, got any hot stock picks to share?
sarisataka
(23,141 posts)I put my money in a mutual fund and let an expert handle that. He's been doing very well for me lately.
I am awaiting, it's evidence, but it appears a certain group has decided she is a liar or a republican plant or looking for money or even if true, it just doesn't matter.
manicdem
(578 posts)What type of proof would you like to see that would change your mind. A criminal conviction? A video tape of the rape?
pat_k
(14,645 posts)... what we were seeing has all the hallmarks of an orchestrated smear. (Not necessarily that it was an orchestrated smear, but the signs were all there.)
This latest accusation has brought things to another level. I suspect it will ultimately prove to be true. However, believing any accusation without scrutiny rubs me the wrong way. Always has.
I know I could be wrong, perhaps the incident didn't happen, but his admitted alcohol abuse raises questions. Drunk people are capable of things they would NEVER do if they weren't so drunk. This is not to excuse the behavior, only to point out that anyone with a history of alcohol abuse may have done awful things while in a drunken blackout. And not to "victim shame," but generally a person who abuses alcohol dates people who also abuse alcohol.
I'll leave it at that. The thing is, whether the accusation is ultimately proven true or false may be irrelevant at this point. The mob-mentality is in full swing. There is no stopping it now.
FWIW, I posted the following summarizing the hallmarks of an orchestrated smear back on June 5 when the NYTimes article came out.
Perhaps someday Jane Mayer will weigh in on Platner's case and we'll have much greater insight.
___________________________
I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.
Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"
The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.
It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.
Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.
New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019
https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken
yardwork
(70,136 posts)I have never thought that Franken should have resigned.
Escape
(568 posts)Plattner will have to become a Republican.
Polybius
(22,335 posts)AloeVera
(4,709 posts)Reminder he is as of this moment still the Democratic candidate you are suggesting is a Republican plant.
What next? He works for Thiel?
hlthe2b
(115,356 posts)on that MSNOW panel when it was announced as breaking news, I would have been sorely pressed not to pop her. Uggh. She automatically convicted him, concluded he should never have been considered as a candidate, and within seconds of this breaking news, had all but sentenced him. For everyone else just trying to absorb the story and collect their thoughts, it should have been a jarring kneejerk reaction. It was certainly ugly as hell to me, even though I will express some similar thoughts here now. The difference is that I'm willing to think through the accusation, the story, the evidence where possible, and the implications over some time. That she would not is just disgusting.
So, again, I have admittedly had bad feelings about Platner from the first, but given the RW identity of his early (main) accuser and his clear past issues with temper and alcohol, it was at least conceivable this was not the campaign-ending type of accusation it appeared at first glance.
So, now a more specific accusation. I don't know all the full details, but her complaint appears quite plausible and she does not appear to be politically motivated--at least on first glance. What I don't like about her accusations are the timing, some of the details of the incident that at least COULD be less than clear in terms of unquestionable (fully nonconsensual sex) and thus rape, and as with many of these incidents that no action was taken to formalize or ensure that police investigate/prosecute based on the accusations, a difficulty in establishing facts. There can be many reasonable explanations for not doing so and I acknowledge that does not disprove anything. She has indicated there are some contemporaneous discussions with one or more around her at the time. That is certainly important.
So, here we are. Where I thought we probably were months ago and worried that we would be soon thereafter.
I am a feminist and I believe strongly in empowering women to take action and be supported when sexual assault (or repeated harassment)) occurs. But, I don't automatically suggest that these incidents are always credible or verifiable. Women can and do lie too, but in this case, I fear that may not be the case. Alcohol has been a repeated issue in his past. So, too his inability to control his anger and intentions. The two can be a really dangerous combination.
I am as upset as any with this news. But even 90 minutes later, I still want to tear into Molly Jong Fast for her on-air immediate reaction.
Blasphemer
(3,647 posts)She is apparently left-leaning and her timing makes it possible to field a replacement candidate - likely the person who would have won if the information had come out earlier. She allowed the primary process to take place, probably in hopes that it would have been resolved at that stage. It wasn't. Coming forward now gives the party a potential do-ever. I would have been more skeptical of a right-leaning person coming forward in September.
Hassin Bin Sober
(27,577 posts)They say she declined elaborate. She says she alleged assault?
Why is her allegation getting reasserted and ratcheted up?
WSHazel
(946 posts)This will not be the last one. Time for him to drop out. Nominate Mills.
Cancelling his campaign events is an admission of guilt. Platner's campaign needs to end NOW.
BlueTsunami2018
(5,155 posts)So I’m not at all surprised by this out of the blue allegation. If you’re going to take on the owners, you better be prepared for your reputation to be dragged through the pig slop and more. These are people who will happily shiv their own mothers for one more ill-gotten dollar. Anyone who presents even the slightest hint of opposition to the gravy train is getting the full treatment.
They also absolutely count on liberals to throw anyone under the bus at the hint of scandal while Piss and Kavanaugh and Thomas and Paxton and everyone on the Epstein list just laughs and laughs.
If he does have to leave the race, is there anyone with his policy positions to take over? Because that’s what people are attracted to, not him personally.
It’s quite obvious that someone with Mills’ positions isn’t it.
pat_k
(14,645 posts)Costello and Platner have similar progressive agendas.
And Platner focused attacks on Mills, not Costello, which I think weakens her relative to Costello.
There is time between now and the election to build support for whoever the Dems pick. I just think the people supporting Platner would be happier with Costello than Mills as the person carrying the movement forward.
mzmolly
(52,888 posts)Obviously, it’s a serious allegation. But why wait to say anything until he’s the effective nominee?
LetMyPeopleVote
(184,508 posts)
iemanja
(57,842 posts)Mills?
pat_k
(14,645 posts)As per NYTimes (posted by RandyF here)
Plans are statewide caucuses or a "pop-up" convention 7/25 weekend (assuming he withdraws)
Maine Dems will get a new candidate. And they will not be selected by the party committee. (I found it notable that Mills was not included in the list of possible replacements. A very good thing IMO. I just don't see her inspiring many of those Platner inspired.)
And once they have their new nominee, the people of Maine, and supporters from afar, will make it a winning campaign.
Officials have ruled out having the state party’s committee, which includes about 100 members, choose the nominee, the people said......
Should Mr. Platner withdraw by next Monday, the leading candidates to replace him could potentially include the Democrats who ran for governor and did not win the primary.
They include Ms. (Shenna) Bellows, Troy Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate, and Nirav Shah, a former director of Maine’s public health agency. Jordan Wood, who lost a primary for a House district covering northern Maine, is also a potential candidate.
And here's a gift link to the article
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/06/us/politics/who-would-replace-graham-platner-maine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v1A.iM4y.eQFzT3W_7ioS&smid=url-share
NewEnglandAutumn
(285 posts)I don't think he is innocent nor do I think he is guilty I want more before I make up my mind.
Democrats turned on Al Franken only to learn it was a set up. I will not resort to a knee jerk reaction and want evidence.
pat_k
(14,645 posts)Last edited Mon Jul 6, 2026, 07:19 PM - Edit history (1)
...Franken.
I posted the following back on June 5.
This latest accusation takes things to different level. Perhaps someday Jane Mayer will weigh in on Platner and we'll get a clearer understanding.
___________________________
Hallmarks of an Orchestrated Smear
I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.
Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"
The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.
It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.
Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.
New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019
https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken
iemanja
(57,842 posts)The primary was a failure. Now Collins will be reelected.
al bupp
(2,564 posts)It's like supporting Democrats suddenly doesn't apply any more.
MichMan
(17,717 posts)
Blue Owl
(60,210 posts)Why are the two choices only *this* or *susan collins*....
Can't there be something better than either of these two lousy *options*???
pat_k
(14,645 posts)As QuietEm points out Maine will be OK.
There are options. For example, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, Joe Baldacci, or even David Costello
I'm hoping they DO NOT go with Mills.
They need someone who inspires the people inspired by Platner.
It sounds like Troy Jackson campaigned with Platner and may be a good choice to take the movement forward.
There is time between now and the general to gather support behind a new nominee.
AZLD4Candidate
(7,113 posts)Dangling0826
(71 posts)Unless a video comes out and shows that he is clearly guilty, if Republicans and Trump should have taught us anything, it is that you stick with your guy no matter what. Platner is our guy, so stay behind him.
kimbutgar
(27,752 posts)A repuke operative could offer her a lot of money to lie. I know the guy is dubious but something stinks. She needs a background check and check her political affiliation and social media. Because we have a known pedophile rapist of little girls as President and his cult member still worship him!
That said, if she was really abused by him then he needs to stop campaigning and Maine needs to find a new democratic opponent to end the weak senator they have now.
pat_k
(14,645 posts)I posted the following back on June 5 when the NYTimes article came out. This latest accusation takes things to different level. And the mob-mentality is in full swing. There is no stopping it now.
Perhaps someday Jane Mayer will weigh in on Platner's case and we'll have much greater insight.
___________________________
I just re-read Jane Mayer's The Case of Al Franken.
Start with a drip drip, then pile on everything you can possibly dig up without looking past the surface. Release in rapid succession so there's no time for individual reports to be scrutinized. Cue outrage at "nothing terrible in isolation, but look at the number of them!"
The goal is to incite a mob mentality. Cue the pitchforks and torches.
It sure looks like some entity is orchestrating the smear of Platner following the same playbook.
Perhaps Jane will do an investigation of "The Case of Graham Platner." I'd sure like to hear more background on each and every report. I suspect it comes down to the same thing. A whole lot of smoke with no actual fire.
New Yorker
The Case of Al Franken
Jane Mayer
July 22, 2019
https://web.archive.org/web/20190829044419/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/29/the-case-of-al-franken
bromeando
(188 posts)I wish women would report these incidents when they happen and not wait when someone is running for office. I'm so sick of this.
pwb
(12,828 posts)while overt lawlessness is accepted for the other party candidates ?
Quanta
(282 posts)So, when are we gonna start investigating Trump's pedophilia, get to the bottom of the Epstein files, and do a deep dive into Melania and Ivana's pasts?
pat_k
(14,645 posts)Not to mention Kavanaugh
Not to mention Paxton.