Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego, previously key endorsers of Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race, have officially withdrawn their support following troubling sexual assault allegations against him. The move came after a POLITICO report detailed an accusation made by a woman who claimed that Platner forced her into a non-consensual sexual encounter five years ago.

In a significant turn of events, Khanna has gone a step further by urging Platner to withdraw from the race altogether. On X, Khanna stated, "I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement."

Gallego echoed these sentiments on his own social media, describing the allegations as "troubling and deeply serious" and announcing his retraction of support for Platner, who was known for his progressive stance and background as an oysterman.

The announcements amplify the growing voices within the Democratic Party calling for Platner to step down. These include statements from Sen. Martin Heinrich and leaders of the Maine Democratic Party, further isolating Platner in what appears to be a crumbling campaign.

The accuser, Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old Maine resident, recounted the distressing details of the incident, stating that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her despite her objections. Racicot severed ties with Platner after the incident, which she clearly communicated to him as non-consensual.

David Hogg, former Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee, has also spoken out, emphasizing the severity of the allegations on X: "These allegations are horrific, full stop. Graham Platner needs to drop out and let a strong Democratic replacement run."

The fallout continues with public figures like "Pod Save America" co-hosts Tommy Vietor, Dan Pfeiffer, and Jon Favreau, who previously hosted Platner during a controversy over a Nazi-linked tattoo, now urging him to resign his candidacy.

The situation leaves the Democratic Party with a narrow window to replace Platner on the ballot, should he decide to withdraw by the July 13 deadline as stipulated by Maine law. If Platner steps down, the state party will need to select a new candidate by July 27, a challenging yet crucial task to maintain their competitiveness in the upcoming election.