Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii plans to rally financial support for Graham Platner on Sunday, marking a significant endorsement from a leading establishment figure for the beleaguered Maine Senate candidate.
Schatz is featured as the special guest at a “virtual pre-primary event in support of Graham Platner,” as confirmed by two donors familiar with the gathering and an invitation acquired by POLITICO. Ticket prices for the Sunday evening event range from $100 to $7,000, the maximum allowable contribution, according to the invitation.
The invitation was distributed to donors on Friday afternoon, while Platner faced ongoing criticism from fellow Democrats due to various scandals. A source from Schatz’s campaign, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the event had been planned weeks in advance.
This event represents Schatz’s first public endorsement of Platner, which is notable given Schatz’s emerging leadership status in the party. He is currently the deputy conference secretary and chief deputy whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus and has secured both the necessary votes and Chuck Schumer’s endorsement to assume the No. 2 role next year.
A representative from Schatz’s campaign disclosed that the senator had financially contributed to Platner’s campaign in May after Platner became the presumptive nominee, as part of a strategy to support Democrats in battleground states who have cleared their fields. These donations have not yet appeared in campaign finance reports.
Another individual closely connected to Platner’s campaign, speaking anonymously, confirmed the event and noted that Schatz had not yet formally endorsed Platner.
Schatz’s involvement underscores that Senate Democrats continue to back Platner amid his unfolding controversies.
Recently, reports surfaced that Platner had sent sexually explicit messages to other women while married. Following this, the New York Times revealed new allegations of violent and troubling behavior towards ex-girlfriends. One accuser claimed Platner was aware of his tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol when he got it, contrary to his statements.
Platner has denied these accusations. He is on track to secure the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine’s upcoming primary, and he stated he has “not once” thought about exiting the race.
On Friday, Platner’s campaign announced it had raised over $200,000 since the Times article, marking it as their best fundraising day since Democratic Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign.
Democrats are divided on how to address the growing controversy surrounding Platner. Some argue he should withdraw for undermining party values, while others believe he remains the best candidate to defeat Collins. Winning Maine, which was carried by Kamala Harris in 2024, is crucial for Democrats aiming to regain Senate control this cycle.
Nevertheless, Democrats and supportive groups have reaffirmed their backing of Platner. This includes Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Representative Ro Khanna of California, VoteVets, the Working Families Party, and Showing Up for Racial Justice.
During a pre-arranged rally on Friday with Khanna, Maine 2nd District candidate Matt Dunlap, and gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, a resolute Platner expressed gratitude to supporters for standing by him.
“As every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated and weaponized, you have my back,” he declared to enthusiastic applause. “And when politically motivated, serious and false accusations are made against me, Maine, you have my back.”
The involvement of Dunlap and Jackson, both engaged in competitive down-ballot races in Tuesday’s primary, indicates they perceive a connection with Platner as beneficial with Maine voters despite the controversies.
Khanna, speaking after Platner, emphasized that “no one should make excuses” for the candidate’s past relationships but encouraged attendees to allow for redemption and to focus on the forthcoming November election.
“The Democratic Party, from Schumer to Sanders, is united with a single goal: we will defeat Susan Collins in November,” he stated.
However, some Democrats are closely monitoring Tuesday’s outcomes and pondering if a protest vote for Mills will emerge before reiterating their calls for Platner to step aside.
Aaron Pellish contributed to this report.Â
