Maine state Rep. Valli Geiger, a Democrat from Rockland, told local media Wednesday that embattled Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner is backing her as a potential replacement on the November ballot.
Geiger is serving her third term in the Maine House and was among Platner’s early supporters.
Geiger told Maine’s Total Coverage, the ABC affiliate WMTW, that Platner called her Wednesday and asked whether he could support her as his replacement. She said yes.
As Mediaite reports:
Platner paused his scandal-plagued campaign against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) earlier in the week after a Politico article detailed a harrowing allegation of sexual assault against him. Platner is widely expected to drop out of the race at any moment, with the Maine Democratic Party pulling its support along with many of Platner’s top boosters, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
Earlier in the day, Platner’s campaign reportedly sent a questionnaire to volunteers, giving them 48 hours to respond, which might indicate he may still be unsure whether or when he’s dropping out.
While he is widely expected to withdraw from the race, Platner has continued to deny the allegation and maintains he did nothing wrong.
The accusation stems from claims made by Jenny Racicot, who told Politico that Platner entered her home while intoxicated in 2021 and forced her to have sex despite her repeated objections.
According to the report, Racicot said she informed Platner afterward that the encounter had not been consensual and cut off contact with him.
Before announcing his decision, he acknowledged the difficult political environment facing his campaign.
“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we’re taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” Platner said.
Political Fallout
Wednesday’s developments throw new uncertainty into Maine’s Senate race and leaves Democrats facing difficult questions about the future of the contest.
The allegation marks the latest blow to Platner’s campaign and is likely to intensify pressure on Democratic leaders as they weigh who should carry the party’s banner in the November election.
Racicot previously told Politico she chose not to publicly discuss the alleged assault because she did not want to be known as a rape victim. She later decided to come forward after seeing public reaction to allegations made by another woman against Platner.
Before Geiger entered the conversation, Maine Gov. Janet Mills had emerged as the Democrat most frequently mentioned as a potential replacement for Platner.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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