Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are calling on Democratic candidate Graham Platner to drop out of Maine’s U.S. Senate race.
Sanders, one of Platner’s most prominent supporters, was asked Tuesday about allegations that Platner had committed sexual assault against a former girlfriend.
He told reporters that he believes Platner should end his campaign, stating, “I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” according to a post on X by JS Deputy Editor Philip Lewis.
Meanwhile, Mamdani made the remarks during a Tuesday press conference when asked about the Monday report on Platner being accused of sexual assault by a former girlfriend. (RELATED: Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Accused Of Sexual Assault)
“I believe it’s time for him to drop out of the race, and when it comes to my own endorsements, I’ve made 8 endorsements at the state and federal level. They’ve all been right here in New York City. I’m incredibly excited they won their races. That’s where my focus is right now.”
Mamdani Calls on Graham Platner to Drop Out
“I believe that it’s time for him to drop out.”
Damage control in full effect. pic.twitter.com/FXR6NbFfmS
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) July 7, 2026
The Mayor added that the allegations warranted ending the campaign.
“I think the focus of the day should be to respond to the gravity of what so many of us have read, and I think the only appropriate response is for the campaign to come to an end.”
Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, accused Platner of sexually assaulting her in 2021 after the pair had an on-and-off relationship for about two years. Racicot alleged that Platner, whom she said was highly intoxicated, entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her despite her objections. (RELATED: Maine Mamdani: So-Called ‘Grassroots’ Oyster Farmer Has Deep Connections To Far-Left)
“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” Racicot said. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’”
Racicot also alleged that Platner ejaculated inside her without her consent, according to a Politico report.
Platner denied the allegations, telling the outlet, “These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.”
Following the report, Platner posted a video on his Senate campaign’s X account calling the allegations false and saying he and his team were “taking time to reflect on the best path forward.”
— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 6, 2026
Racicot had previously spoken to The New York Times about Platner’s dating history, saying she ended contact after he came to her home intoxicated and behaved in an “unsettling” and “reckless” manner, though she did not disclose the alleged assault at that time.
She later told Politico she stayed silent because she feared being labeled a rape victim. Racicot described herself as a Democrat and said she agrees with many of Platner’s policy positions. (RELATED: Democrats Stick The Knife In Graham Platner)
Sanders and Mamdani join several other Democrats calling for Platner to drop out, including Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna of California, as well as Democrat Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Ruben Gallego of Arizona, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Schumer previously recruited and endorsed Democrat Maine Governor Janet Mills against Platner earlier in the race, before Mills dropped out in April.