Democratic figures have begun distancing themselves from Graham Platner, the party's Senate candidate in Maine, after a sexual assault allegation made by his former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, was reported by Politico. Platner has denied the allegation but conceded he is considering withdrawing from the race and seeking the "best path forward", raising doubts over a contest Democrats had hoped to be competitive in.

Senator John Fetterman, who never backed Platner, led the criticism, branding him a "trash bag" and a "predator" in remarks to Fox News. He singled out Bernie Sanders and the Pod Save America podcast for promoting the oyster farmer despite earlier scandals, demanding they apologise to Racicot and other women. Racicot set out her allegations in further detail on CNN on Monday evening, and Fetterman praised her as courageous for speaking out, while several prominent liberals withdrew their endorsements and called on Platner to quit.