Democratic odds to hold the US Senate seat in Maine have risen significantly in the last day, thanks to the latest bombshell sexual misconduct allegations against the party's current nominee in the race, Graham Platner.

Platner denied his ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot's allegation of nonconsensual sex on Monday but admitted he was considering dropping out after the Politico report.

Odds of a Democratic victory against GOP incumbent Susan Collins shot up on Tuesday amid swirling speculation the scandal-plagued Platner will resign.

On July 2, Kalshi traders gave Collins the advantage in the match-up, with 50 percent backing her and 49.7 percent favoring the Democratic challenger. 

But now Democrats are given a 59 percent chance of beating Collins, per Kalshi's betting odds.

Platner and the Maine Democratic Party face two quickly approaching deadlines. If he plans to leave the race, he must do so by July 13. Then the party must pick his replacement by July 27.

One of Platner's most vocal backers, progressive Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders, noted on Tuesday afternoon in a statement, ''I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine.'

'In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,' Sanders added.

Allies of Platner have indicated that he will only leave the race if he finds a replacement that shares his progressive vision for the country.

Maine Democrats are increasingly discussing potential replacements for Graham Platner, with the focus largely on candidates who were unsuccessful in 2026 races. 

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, epidemiologist Nirav Shah, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and former congressional candidate Jordan Wood are among those being floated by party insiders to Punchbowl News.

Jackson publicly backed allegations against Platner and called on him to exit the race, saying, 'There is no place in our politics for sexual violence. Not in our party, not in any party. Graham Platner must withdraw from this race today.' 

However, rumors have swirled about 'troubling information' regarding Jackson's behavior.

Retiring Congressman Jared Golden is a preferred option for many Democrats, but the chances of him being willing to stay in DC are slim.

Governor Janet Mills, meanwhile, has both name ID and the ability to fundraise, but lost badly to Platner in the primary for the US Senate seat after suspending her campaign but remaining on the ballot, so she is considered highly unlikely to run. 

Platner was accused by ex-girlfriend Racicot of forcing himself on her after barging into her home 'blackout drunk.'

Racicot, 41, told Politico she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years before the night when he showed up to her rural Maine home uninvited in 2021.

She said that they exchanged messages that night and told him not to come over, but later that evening, she heard him letting himself into her unlocked house.

Platner came upstairs to where she was sitting on the couch and ignored her protests and started 'grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me.'

'I had been telling him these words, like: 'No, don't,'' she told Politico. 'And, the look on his face and realizing what was happening, I just realized that, like, I am in a situation where there's no consent here.'

Racicot claimed that she tried to get away from Platner by going to her bedroom, but he followed her inside and had sex with her against her will. She said he ejaculated inside her despite her asking him not to because she was not on birth control.

Platner had previously been accused of improper behavior by two other former partners. 

The married Iraq war veteran faced an immediate wave of left wing backlash, including from top Democratic lawmakers who pulled their support.

Representative Ro Khanna of California posted on X: '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.'

Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona posted: 'The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious. I am rescinding my endorsement.'

Left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, who is highly influential among Gen Z, said during his live stream: 'That is curtains. That is the trifecta. Okay, that is the trifecta of a reliable allegation. It's holy shit ... I believe this, this accusation. I believe this allegation.'

The national Democratic campaign arm also noted on Monday that if Platner remained on the ballot, they would not invest money into the race.

Collins, the only Republican in the race, holds an independent streak that makes her both loved and feared.

She also represents an endangered species: a Republican who represents a state traditionally carried by the Democratic presidential nominee.