Stephen King publicly urged Graham Platner not to withdraw from the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault allegation reported by Politico surfaced over the weekend. King, the Maine-born author and vocal political commentator, wrote on X that he hopes Platner “doesn’t” drop out even as critics and allies weigh in. The Politico report, by Jenny Racicot, framed the account as an allegation — a claim that has not been proven in court.
What Stephen King wrote on X
On X, King suggested he hoped Platner would remain in the race despite the reporting. “Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn’t, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin’ on,” King wrote, linking the immediate controversy to broader political grievances he has expressed publicly. In a follow-up post, King added: “Tell you what—if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, ‘Let him without sin cast the first stone.’”
King’s intervention injected a prominent Maine voice into the public conversation and prompted a mix of support and sharp criticism from commentators across the political spectrum.
The Politico allegation reported by Jenny Racicot
Politico published an account from Jenny Racicot alleging she was sexually assaulted by Graham Platner in 2021. Politico’s story presents Racicot’s account as an allegation; it is not a judicial finding. The report prompted immediate attention from national and local media and set off calls from some commentators for Platner to consider his political future.
Reporters and outlets covering the story have emphasized the distinction between an allegation reported by Politico and any legal determination. That framing has been central to how political actors and media outlets have responded.
Graham Platner’s response and campaign status
Graham Platner denied the allegation in a video message posted by his campaign. In the clip he said he and his team are “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins.” He also disputed parts of the published account. Platner did not announce a withdrawal in the statement.
The campaign framed the video as both a denial of reported inaccuracies and an acknowledgment that the reporting could carry political consequences. Campaign officials have said they are consulting with advisors and allies as they determine next steps.
Political fallout and public reaction
King’s post drew criticism from a range of conservative voices. Washington Post columnist and Fox contributor Marc Thiessen responded sharply on X, and New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz and other right-leaning commentators condemned King’s stance. On the left and among progressive commentators there was also debate: some criticized King’s apparent defense as tone-deaf to alleged survivors, while others argued his comments spoke to concerns about partisan handling of allegations.
Media figures such as Hasan Piker weighed in online, amplifying conversation on social platforms and cable, and commentators have speculated that the political fallout could prompt an exit. Others cautioned that speculation should await any further reporting, legal developments or statements from Maine Democratic leaders.
Why this matters for the Maine Senate race
The Maine contest is among the most closely watched Senate races this cycle. Platner emerged as a leading Democratic challenger to Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and his candidacy has been central to Democratic hopes of flipping the seat. An exit by Platner would force Democratic strategists to identify an alternate nominee and could compress the timeline ahead of filing deadlines and the general election.
Even if Platner remains in the race, the sustained media attention and public debate could alter voter perceptions and campaign messaging. For Collins, the controversy presents an opening to highlight instability among opponents; for Democrats it creates a choice between defending a candidate facing a serious allegation or quickly pivoting to a replacement to preserve general-election prospects.
What comes next
Platner’s campaign says it is “reflecting.” The coming days will show whether that reflection leads to continued campaigning, an official withdrawal, or additional developments such as further reporting or legal inquiries. Maine Democratic leaders and national strategists will be watching closely, weighing political calculations against the broader responsibilities parties face when a candidate is accused of misconduct.
Newsrooms will also be monitoring reactions from influential endorsers, fundraising patterns, and any formal statements from state party officials that could signal whether the campaign will continue or the party will seek another nominee.
Source attribution
This article draws on reporting by Politico and Fox News. The allegation was reported by Jenny Racicot for Politico and has been described in press coverage as an allegation, not a finding. Fox News published reporting on the public reaction and included the campaign video in its coverage. See the Fox News coverage here: Fox News, and the Politico report by Jenny Racicot as published at Politico: Politico.
FAQ
Did Graham Platner deny the allegation?
Yes. In a campaign video, Platner denied the account reported by Politico and said his team is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” He did not announce a withdrawal.
What did Stephen King say about Platner?
King wrote on X that he hoped Platner would not drop out and urged caution about casting judgment without knowing every case, adding broader commentary about political hypocrisy.
Is Platner expected to drop out of the Maine Senate race?
There has been public speculation that Platner could withdraw, but as of now his campaign has only said it is reflecting on next steps.
