Democrats are in turmoil over Graham Platner’s latest scandal, unsure of their next steps.
The New York Times published a report Thursday detailing troubling allegations from several of Platner’s former girlfriends. The report emerged just days before Platner is expected to secure the Democratic nomination to challenge GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, a crucial Senate race. One woman accused Platner of physically restraining her and claimed he was aware his tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol when he got it, an accusation he has consistently denied.
This report follows recent revelations about Platner’s inappropriate communications with other women while married, leaving Democrats divided. Despite a string of scandals, some consider Platner their best hope to defeat Collins. He consistently outpaced Democratic Governor Janet Mills in primary polls before she suspended her campaign in April and has also led in head-to-head polls against the Republican senator.
“Several donors I know remain committed to Platner because he opposes Susan Collins and is a Democrat,” said Alex Hoffman, a Democratic strategist and donor adviser. “There’s talk of a double standard between Republicans and Democrats; if this were a Republican, they’d all rally behind him.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who plans to campaign with Platner on Friday, reaffirmed his support. Some Democrats online dismissed the ex-girlfriend who spoke to The Times, Lyndsey Fifield, as a partisan activist due to her involvement in Republican politics.
Others, however, cautioned that Platner is unpredictable, and further damaging revelations could emerge. They argue that what is already known may be enough to jeopardize his candidacy and compromise the party’s core principles.
“Democrats in Maine and nationwide need to prioritize: defending Graham Platner’s actions or securing the Democratic seat in Maine,” said Robert Zimmerman, a Democratic National Committee member from New York. “Platner hasn’t convincingly explained his behavior, and Democrats defending him sound like Republicans defending Donald Trump after the Access Hollywood incident.”
Securing Maine is crucial for Democrats to reclaim the Senate this fall. Collins is the sole Republican senator up for reelection in a state that Vice President Kamala Harris won in 2024. Failure to unseat her would force Democrats to win in a more conservative state, like Iowa or Texas, to gain control of the Senate.
Platner, speaking on MSNOW Thursday after The Times article, denied the violence allegations, attributing them to political motives. He asserted he had never considered leaving the race.
“My journey is one of transformation. I’m open to discussing my past. People might revisit old Reddit posts or other past incidents,” Platner said, addressing his offensive posts from the past. “These are things I’m not proud of, but they’re part of my journey to where I am today.”
Platner stated he had no discussions with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee about stepping aside for another candidate, emphasizing the “outpouring of support” he has received.
Nonetheless, some donors who once supported Platner are becoming hesitant.
“He’s now below the standard for my clients,” said a national donor adviser advising clients to redirect funds to other key Senate races.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who encouraged Mills to run, did not comment on Platner’s controversies when questioned by reporters in the Capitol Thursday.
“Concerns about losing Maine have escalated across the caucus since the stories emerged,” said a senior Democratic Senate aide, granted anonymity to speak openly. “Without Maine, regaining the Senate is unfeasible.”
The aide added: “Everyone is frantic.”
There was also frustration among some Democratic donors and operatives Thursday about the party’s internal conflict, which could further hinder its chances against a seasoned GOP incumbent.
A Democratic consultant connected to major donors noted that many are indifferent to Platner’s controversies. In a conversation with a major donor on a Democratic Party finance committee, the consultant expressed doubt that the sentiment would change post-Times story.
“We’re indifferent. That’s the sentiment among many donors. Anyone who can defeat Susan Collins is acceptable,” said the consultant. This indifference is attributed to the “Trump era,” where allegations of misconduct carry less weight than they used to.
Platner is set to rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, on Friday with Khanna, who has endorsed him, alongside Maine 2nd District candidate Matt Dunlap and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson. Representatives for all three confirmed the event will proceed.
“The behavior in the New York Times story was wrong and destructive. Graham has admitted this and sought redemption,” Khanna stated Thursday. “Maine deserves a senator who will challenge the billionaire class, oppose genocide, and support the working class.”
Platner is almost guaranteed to win Maine’s Democratic primary on Tuesday against Mills and 2024 Democratic Senate candidate David Costello. If he resigns before mid-July, Maine law allows the state party to replace him with another Democrat, an unprecedented move in the state’s politics.
The Times report comes after revelations last weekend that Platner had engaged in inappropriate communications with women other than his wife after marriage, which renewed Democratic concerns about his viability in November.
Platner, a newcomer to politics, has faced controversies since last fall, when his Reddit history revealed offensive posts suggesting victims of sexual assault should bear more responsibility and disparaging white rural Americans. Platner apologized, citing a dark period in his life, and acknowledged having a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he later covered, claiming ignorance of its meaning at the time.
The Times report reignited the tattoo controversy: Fifield said he referred to it as “my Totenkopf” and was aware of its Nazi association during their relationship.
“This is the most crucial seat for the next Democratic president to have a trifecta to advance the Democratic Party’s priorities — health care, child care, climate action,” said Brian Romick, president of Democratic Majority for Israel. “Now we’re faced with a candidate with a Nazi tattoo, inappropriate relationships, and racist Reddit posts. Accountability is needed.”
Cheyenne Hunt, leader of Gen Z For Change, who had opposed Eric Swalwell over sexual assault allegations, withdrew her endorsement of Platner Thursday.
“We must do what’s right even when it’s politically inconvenient,” she stated in a video on social media. “Women cannot be sacrificed for the next election.”
William Steakin, Andrew Howard, Shia Kapos, Chris Sommerfeldt, and Calen Razor contributed to this report.
