Washington — On Sunday, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California expressed his disapproval of the reported behavior of Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, particularly regarding his treatment of women. However, Khanna acknowledged that Platner has taken “accountability” for his actions.
During an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Khanna described Platner’s actions as “misogynistic,” “shameful,” and “wrong,” but noted that many in Maine were not surprised by these revelations.
Khanna campaigned alongside Platner in Maine on Friday as part of the Democratic effort to win the Senate seat currently held by Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming November election. This contest is one of the most closely monitored races in the nation, and flipping Collins’ seat is seen as vital for the Democrats’ hope of gaining control of the Senate. Collins is the only Republican senator representing a state that Kamala Harris won in 2024.
According to Khanna, the voters he interacted with in Maine expressed their discontent with Platner’s past but were willing to offer him a chance for redemption, focusing on his candidacy’s goals. “The Maine voters that I met said they don’t like it. They knew that he had these chapters. They are willing to extend him grace and redemption, and they’re focused now on what he’s running for,” Khanna remarked.
Following revelations that Platner had sent inappropriate messages to women other than his wife, further allegations regarding his behavior towards former girlfriends emerged. A subsequent report by the New York Times highlighted unsettling claims, including accusations of physical abuse, which Platner has denied.
One of Platner’s former girlfriends, Lyndsey Fifield, alleged that during their relationship a decade ago, he would often grip her by the shoulders with enough force to leave marks. She also recounted an incident in which he twisted her arm behind her back and forcibly confined her in a room during an argument.
Some within the Democratic Party questioned the timing of these allegations, which surfaced shortly before Platner’s primary, as well as the credibility of Fifield, who has a political background that the Platner campaign has noted. Nevertheless, Khanna expressed his belief in Fifield’s account.
“I don’t think our side should be attacking her, and I appreciate her courage in coming forward,” Khanna stated, deeming her political history “irrelevant.” “I believe her,” he added.
When asked if he was certain that all damaging information regarding Platner had been disclosed, Khanna responded, “That’s what he says.” He emphasized that if there were any verified instances of violence or sexual assault, he would not support Platner. “Obviously, look, if there was evidence of violence, I would not support him. If there was evidence of sexual assault, I’d have zero support for him,” Khanna stated.
Regarding the allegations reported by the Times, Khanna referred to Fifield’s assertion that she did not suffer any physical injuries. “They said there was no harm, no injury. There was toxicity, and there was verbal intimidation, which I condemn. But Graham has made it clear that there was no evidence of violence. That to me is a red line,” Khanna concluded.
