Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania did not hold back in his criticism of Graham Platner, the scandal-plagued Democratic candidate who ended his U.S. Senate campaign in Maine on Wednesday after a rape allegation surfaced. In an appearance on «Jesse Watters Primetime,» Fetterman said Platner was always a «dead man walking» and celebrated his exit from the race, telling him, «Adios, trash bag.»
Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer, announced his withdrawal in an 11-minute video posted to X, where he called the rape allegation «false.» He has not been criminally charged. The accusation came from Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, who told CNN that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced her to have unprotected sex despite her repeated objections. Racicot said that «by dictionary definition» Platner «raped» her.
The rape allegation was the latest in a series of controversies that plagued Platner’s campaign. Earlier, he faced accusations of domestic abuse from former girlfriends and was criticized for a chest tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol. He also faced scrutiny over inappropriate online messages. Fetterman referenced these issues in his remarks, saying Platner would «only be remembered as the accused rapist that got pushed out of your election» and calling him a «guy that cheats on your wife» and «roughs up your ex-girlfriend.»
Fetterman also turned his ire toward fellow Democrats who had supported Platner, particularly Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who endorsed the candidate. «Bernie Sanders needs to apologize to the voters of Maine and to everyone that donated to that train wreck of a campaign,» Fetterman said. He questioned what Democrats saw in Platner, asking, «Was it the Nazi tattoo, was it the gross messages online, the way he roughs up women?»
Platner’s exit has significant implications for the Senate race in Maine, where Republican incumbent Susan Collins is seeking reelection. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and Democrats view flipping the Maine seat as a key part of their path to retaking control. With Platner out, the Maine Democratic Party has less than three weeks to find a replacement candidate. Party officials are planning a convention to select a new nominee, though the process is expected to be challenging given the short timeline.
Political analysts note that Platner’s departure complicates Democratic efforts in a state that has leaned left in recent presidential elections but has a history of supporting moderate Republicans like Collins. The race was already considered competitive, and Platner’s scandals had made it even more difficult for Democrats to mount a strong challenge. His withdrawal leaves the party scrambling to regroup and present a viable alternative to voters.
Fetterman, who has often been outspoken on social media and in interviews, did not mince words when discussing Platner’s legacy. «No one's going to forget you other than the guy that was pushed out of the election because a woman credibly accused you of raping her,» he said. «So that's his legacy.»
The senator’s comments reflect broader frustration among some Democrats about the party’s vetting process and the damage that scandal-ridden candidates can inflict on electoral prospects. Platner’s campaign, which had raised significant funds and attracted national attention, unraveled rapidly as the allegations mounted. His decision to drop out came just hours after Racicot’s interview aired, underscoring the speed with which the controversy escalated.
For now, the focus in Maine shifts to the Democratic convention and the search for a new standard-bearer. The party must act quickly to avoid ceding the race to Collins, who has already begun campaigning on her record and the chaos surrounding her opponent’s exit. Whether Democrats can recover from this setback remains an open question, but Fetterman’s blunt assessment of Platner suggests that many in the party are eager to move on.