Sanders says Platner should quit Maine Senate race

Sen. Bernard Sanders has joined the chorus of elected leaders calling on Graham Platner to drop out of the Maine Senate race — a move that could put a final nail in the Democrat’s political coffin and clear the way for the state party to pick a replacement.

Mr. Sanders, a Vermont independent, has been Mr. Platner’s most high-profile surrogate, helping boost his image among grassroots activists and burnish his far-left credentials.

“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” Mr. Sanders said. “In the light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”

Mr. Sanders’ decision added to the sense that it’s only a matter of time before Mr. Platner pulls the plug on his tumultuous campaign. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Ro Khanna of California also withdrew their support.

Mr. Platner’s campaign has been on death watch since Politico reported Monday that Jenny Racicot, a 41‑year‑old Maine resident who dated him on and off for two years, accused him of showing up drunk at her home uninvited one night in 2021 and forcing her to have sex with him despite her repeated objections.

Mr. Sanders previously stood by him, including after The New York Times reported last month that former girlfriends, such as Ms. Racicot, said Mr. Platner drank heavily, that their relations with him were volatile and his behavior was unsettling.

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Seth McLaughlin

smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com

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