Maine Senate candidate Graham Plattner accused of sexual assault; party groups press him to step aside

Graham Plattner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, is facing a sexual-assault allegation from Jenny Recio, who the report says dated Plattner about five years ago. Recio alleges Plattner forced her into a sexual encounter despite her objections; Plattner has denied the claim.

The allegation and Plattner’s response have intensified pressure on the campaign. "We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love," the campaign said in a statement attributed to Plattner. The report says Plattner has already lost support from several Democratic lawmakers and that he plans to reevaluate whether to continue his Senate bid.

Party organizations have reacted publicly. The Maine Democratic Party is continuing to push for Plattner to end his campaign, according to the report. Overnight, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said it will not put resources into the race unless Plattner steps aside.

The allegation remains an accusation; Plattner has denied the charge, and no criminal charge or legal finding is reported in the transcript. The reporting notes the political consequences already unfolding, including lawmakers withdrawing support and the DSCC’s decision to withhold campaign resources. It is not specified in the transcript when Plattner will complete his review or whether any law enforcement inquiry has been opened.

Plattner’s next public steps and any formal actions by party officials or law enforcement were not specified in the transcript. The campaign’s stated intention to "reflect" and the DSCC’s resource decision are the most recent developments reported.