U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is contending with a new allegation of sexual impropriety, which emerged roughly 24 hours after a separate accusation of rape surfaced. These developments unfold as a critical deadline approaches for his campaign.
According to a recent publication, Platner, who is running for a Senate seat in Maine, is accused by his former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, 41, of removing condoms during sexual intercourse despite her explicit instructions for him to wear them. Fifield stated, "He would pull condoms off. He would do it in a sneaky way. He wouldn’t tell me."
Fifield had previously raised concerns about Platner's physical conduct during their relationship, describing instances where he allegedly grabbed her forcefully enough to leave marks. She also recalled an incident where he reportedly twisted her arm behind her back, pushed her into a bedroom, and held the door shut until she "calmed down."
These earlier claims were largely dismissed by Platner's supporters, who characterized Fifield, a former employee of The Heritage Foundation, as a conservative operative. Fifield clarified that she confronted Platner both during and after sexual encounters because she was not using birth control and understood the inherent risks. She recounted that he would respond by acting "cute about it, like ‘Oh sneaky me.'" These allegations were reportedly shared by Fifield in a prior interview, initially off the record.
In response to these latest claims, Platner's campaign issued a statement asserting that Fifield's allegations are "categorically false and politically motivated."
Earlier Rape Allegation and Platner's Denial
The new accusation follows a rape allegation made on Monday by Jenny Racicot, 41. Racicot told another news outlet that Platner, while intoxicated, entered her home in 2021 when they were in an on-again, off-again romantic relationship. She alleged that he raped her and ejaculated inside her after she repeatedly told him to stop.
Racicot recounted the incident, which she said occurred in Washington, D.C., while Platner was "almost blackout drunk." She stated, "I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me. I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’"
Platner, an oyster farmer whose campaign has faced scrutiny since last year, immediately denied these allegations in a video released following the publication of Racicot's story.
Political Fallout and Looming Deadline
Platner is campaigning to unseat Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins. His campaign announced it is evaluating potential next steps as a significant deadline looms for the race.
To allow for a replacement Democratic candidate, chosen by the party, to contend in the November general election, Platner must withdraw from the race by 5 p.m. on July 13.
In the wake of the initial rape allegation, a growing number of his former supporters rescinded their endorsements and urged him to exit the Senate race. Among those calling for his withdrawal were prominent progressive senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, both of whom had been strong backers of Platner.
Senator Warren issued a statement Monday evening, saying, "Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault. Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race."
Senator Sanders also released a statement on Tuesday, noting, "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."
