Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner faces a sexual assault allegation from a former girlfriend, according to a report published Monday by Politico.

Jenny Racicot, 44, a Maine resident and Democrat, accused Platner of forcing non-consensual sex in 2021 after the two had an on-and-off relationship.

Racicot told Politico that a highly intoxicated Platner entered her home uninvited and ignored her protests to stop.

“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.’”

She said Platner ejaculated inside her against her will. Racicot was not on birth control at the time, according to the report.

The Allegation

Racicot described the incident as occurring after their two-year relationship had ended.

She said she did not come forward earlier out of fear of being labeled a rape victim. Racicot told Politico she agrees with many of Platner’s policies but decided to speak out now.

Politico reported that it reviewed communications between Racicot and her therapist about her decision to go public, as well as messages with an acquaintance she had warned about Platner.

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The outlet also spoke with the man Racicot dated after Platner, to whom she had confided details of the alleged assault.

In a June New York Times investigation into Platner’s dating history, Racicot described his behavior during the 2021 incident as “unsettling” and “reckless.” She said she cut off contact after he arrived at her home drunk despite her request that he not come over.

Platner’s Denial

Platner denied the allegations in a statement to Politico.

“These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue,” he said.

Shortly after the Politico story appeared, Platner posted a video to his campaign’s X account. He called the sexual assault claims false and said he and his team were “taking time to reflect on the best path forward.” He has canceled several campaign events this week.

Platner, 41, is a Marine veteran and oyster farmer who won the Democratic primary in June with 72 percent of the vote. He is challenging six-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.

Prior Controversies

The new allegation follows other reports about Platner’s personal conduct. A New York Times article in early June detailed accounts from former girlfriends who described volatile relationships, demeaning comments, and in one case physical roughness more than a decade earlier.

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Platner denied those claims of physical misconduct and attributed some issues to undiagnosed PTSD.

He has also faced scrutiny over a tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, which he said he did not understand when he got it years ago and later covered.

Old social media posts containing controversial remarks about women, race, and sexual assault have circulated. Platner has apologized for some past statements, saying he was in a difficult period.

Racicot was quoted in the earlier Times piece but did not detail the alleged assault at that time.

Impact on the Race

The timing of the allegation comes weeks after Platner secured the nomination and months before the general election in a state where Susan Collins has long held a moderate Republican profile. Maine Democrats have expressed concerns in past reporting about the effect of Platner’s controversies on the party’s chances to flip the seat.

No charges have been filed in connection with Racicot’s allegation. The incident occurred five years ago, and it is unclear whether Racicot has contacted law enforcement.

Platner’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment beyond his public statements. Racicot could not be reached for this article.

The Senate race in Maine has drawn national attention as Democrats seek to gain ground in the chamber. Collins has not yet issued a statement on the latest allegation against her opponent.