Anti-Israel Senate Candidate Graham Plattner Withdraws Amid Rape Allegations

Graham Plattner, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maine known for his extreme and anti-Israel views, has withdrawn from the race following serious accusations of sexual assault. Plattner faced multiple allegations over recent months, including rape and domestic violence claims from several former partners. Despite denying the accusations and blaming the Democratic Party for a political smear campaign, he announced the suspension of his campaign and plans to formally withdraw his candidacy.

The decision came shortly after a woman who had a non-committal relationship with Plattner until 2021 accused him of breaking into her home and raping her despite her clear refusal. Plattner reportedly claimed he did not remember the incident when confronted. Additional allegations include another partner accusing him of domestic violence and non-consensual removal of contraception, as well as revelations that he sent sexual messages to over ten women during his marriage.

Plattner's controversial political profile included harsh criticism of Israel, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol which he later covered, and public praise for a 2014 Hamas attack that killed five Israeli soldiers. His conduct and views led to widespread condemnation within the Democratic Party, including withdrawal of support from progressive allies and the party’s Senate campaign arm refusing to fund him. Representative Ro Khanna publicly called for Plattner to exit the race, citing the credibility of the allegations.

With Plattner’s exit, the Democratic Party now has two weeks to select a replacement candidate in a crucial Senate race in Maine. This seat, currently held by a Republican senator, is seen as a key battleground in the upcoming midterm elections, but Plattner’s scandal has significantly damaged the party’s chances of winning it.