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WASHINGTON - Accused rapist Graham Platner dropped out of his Maine Senate race on Wednesday in the wake of bombshell sexual assault allegations that forced leading Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to yank their support of him.

 We believe that for the movement to continue, it can't be me. And for that reason we are suspending campaign operations,  Platner said in a video announcement.

The announcement comes after a woman he previously dated, Jenny Racicot, publicly alleged that he drunkenly raped her at her Maine home in 2021 despite her repeated pleas to stop. Platner called the allegations false.

Platner had until July 13 to bow out of the closely watched race for Democrats to be able to easily replace him as the party battles for control of the upper chamber.

12  We believe that for the movement to continue, it can't be me. And for that reason we are suspending campaign operations,  Graham Platner said in a video announcement Wednesday. X / @grahamformaine

12 Platner's ex, Jenny Racicot, publicly alleged that the Senate hopeful drunkenly raped her at her Maine home in 2021. CNN

He vehemently denied the rape accusations against him but canceled his scheduled appearances and said he was contemplating his path forward.

Just hours after the latest claims, Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) issued a joint statement denouncing Platner.

 The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing - violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable,  it said.

 Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins. The DSCC [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee] will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot. 

12 Platner dropped out after a bombshell rape accusation from his ex-girlfriend. AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

12 Democratic US Senate candidate Graham Platner, right, and his wife Amy Gertner, left, speak to a security guard outside h

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