A scandal-plagued Senate campaign came to an extraordinary close Friday, but it wasn’t just the candidate’s withdrawal that immediately grabbed attention.
Instead, it was the final words of his official letter to election officials that sparked a fresh wave of criticism and ensured his exit from the race would end in controversy.
Maine Democrat Graham Platner formally withdrew from the U.S. Senate race Friday, ending his official withdrawal letter with a profane political message after suspending his campaign earlier this week amid serious allegations made by former girlfriends.
In the letter submitted to Maine election officials and later posted on X, Platner reflected on his victory in last month’s Democratic primary, where he received more than 156,000 votes.
“People are desperate for change,” Platner wrote, arguing that his primary victory showed Mainers wanted “a new kind of politics.”
He added, “Mainers voted for a new kind of politics. One that is representative of people down here in the real world — not billionaires, oligarchs or the political establishment.”
Platner then concluded the letter with a profane statement directed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with political slogans supporting the Palestinian cause and Irish republicanism.
The message ended, “F*** ICE. Free Palestine. Up the Hearts.”
The withdrawal came two days after Platner announced he was suspending his campaign following allegations by former girlfriend Jenny Racicot, who accused him of entering her home without permission and raping her in 2021.
Platner has publicly denied wrongdoing and, in announcing the suspension of his campaign, argued that powerful interests were working to force him out of the race.
“This was the last week to try to get me off of the ballot. And that’s why this is occurring,” Platner said in a video statement Wednesday.
He also blamed “large forces,” the “corporate media” and the “political establishment” for what he described as a coordinated effort against his campaign.
Following the allegations, the Maine Democratic Party withdrew its support for Platner.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee also announced it would not invest in his campaign if he remained the Democratic nominee.
By formally withdrawing before the state’s July 13 deadline, Platner cleared the way for Maine Democrats to choose a replacement nominee through a party convention.
State election officials confirmed they had received his formal notice of withdrawal.
Party leaders now have until July 27 to organize a convention to select a new Democratic candidate to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.
Several Democrats have already expressed interest in becoming the party’s nominee, including former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former public health official Nirav Shah, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine Beer Co. co-founder Dan Kleban, former Capitol Hill staffer Jordan Wood, social worker Paige Loud and Democratic state Rep. Valli Geiger.
Platner’s campaign had also been rocked by additional allegations before his withdrawal.
Another former girlfriend alleged he physically abused her during their relationship more than a decade ago.
A former campaign aide also alleged Platner had exchanged sexual text messages with multiple women who were not his wife around the time he launched his Senate campaign.
What a guy. pic.twitter.com/t3qh0NkDu8
— USA Features Media (@USAFeatures) July 11, 2026
— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 10, 2026
In addition, past Reddit posts attributed to Platner resurfaced, including comments criticizing a Purple Heart recipient and mocking victims of sexual assault, The New York Post reported.
With Platner officially out of the race, Maine Democrats now face the task of selecting a new nominee while Republicans prepare to defend one of the party’s most closely watched Senate seats.
Initially, though, and what was very troubling for many, most Democrats went all-in with Platner despite his troubled history with women, a Nazi-themed tattoo, and things he has said about a wounded military veteran.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
