WASHINGTON — Top Democrats called on scandal-hit, anti-Israel US Senate candidate Graham Platner to quit the race on Monday after a sexual assault allegation threatened to derail one of the party’s best chances of flipping a Republican-held seat.

Politico reported that Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident who previously dated Platner — whose insurgent rise has drawn comparisons to US President Donald Trump — accused him of forcing her to have sex in late 2021.

Platner, a Marine veteran, oysterman, and political newcomer who won the state’s Democratic primary last month, rejected the allegation.

Known for anti-Israel rhetoric, he has called for cutting US military assistance to Israel and has accused the Jewish state of genocide in Gaza. He said his Republican rival, Susan Collins, was “bought and paid for by Benjamin Netanyahu” due to her support from AIPAC — a comment that drew accusations of antisemitism.

In a video message posted to X after the report was published, Platner called the assault allegations “troubling, serious and false.”

“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins,” said, referring to the Republican incumbent.

pic.twitter.com/9itIt4Mw25 — Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 6, 2026

pic.twitter.com/9itIt4Mw25

— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 6, 2026

“Those were the goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain........

© The Times of Israel