A woman who says she previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has accused him of sexually assaulting her during an encounter in late 2021. Platner has categorically denied the allegation, calling it false and politically motivated.

The allegation was made public in an interview with POLITICO by Jenny Racicot, a Maine resident who said she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years before the alleged incident. She claims Platner entered her home intoxicated and ignored her repeated objections before forcing her to have sex. Racicot said she later cut off all contact with him.

Candidate Strongly Rejects the Allegation

In a statement, Platner said, “Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue.” His campaign also argued that the timing of the allegation, which surfaced shortly before election deadlines, was part of a coordinated effort by political opponents to damage his campaign.

Platner, who won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, has previously faced scrutiny over past relationships and controversial online comments. However, this is the first time he has publicly faced an allegation of sexual assault.

Corroborating Accounts, But No Criminal Charges

According to POLITICO, Racicot shared her account with her therapist, a former partner, friends, and acquaintances in the years following the alleged incident. The publication reported reviewing emails and private messages that it said were consistent with her timeline.

Racicot has said she never filed a police report, explaining that she struggled with trauma, feared retaliation, and did not feel ready to report the alleged assault. As of publication, no criminal charges have been filed, and there has been no public indication of a law enforcement investigation related to her claim.

Race Faces New Political Scrutiny

The allegation adds to growing controversy surrounding Platner’s Senate campaign as he prepares to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in one of the country’s closely watched races.

Voters have now heard sharply conflicting accounts. Racicot says she came forward because she believed the public deserved a fuller picture of Platner’s character, while Platner maintains the accusation is entirely false. At this stage, the allegation has not been adjudicated in court, and no legal finding has determined the truth of either account.