As Other Democrats Call On Platner To Drop Out Over Credible Sexual Assault Allegations, Former Congresswoman Elaine Luria Dismisses Them As “Shiny New Things To Scare People”

After Politico reported sexual assault allegations made by a liberal-leaning woman in Maine, Democrats across the country called on Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race in Maine, to drop out. Notably, the credible allegations made on the record in the New York Times by a conservative woman were not taken seriously by the Democratic Party.  

However, former Democrat Congresswoman Elaine Luria took a different messaging approach. On MS Now, in response to a question about Platner and the sexual assault allegations, Luria said, “I am singularly focused on this district and what is important to people in Virginia’s Second District. And the Republicans are always going to try to find a bogeyman and tie the Democrat to whatever new shiny thing is going to scare people.” 

“Elaine Luria’s decision to downplay these horrific allegations is despicable and truly sickening. Democrats rallied behind an abusive, erratic, and violent Senate candidate, and Luria is all too willing to sweep his disgusting behavior under the rug,” said RNC Spokeswoman Emma Hall.

Luria is facing Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in one of the most competitive Congressional battlegrounds in the 2026 midterm election.