PORTLAND, Maine – In an effort to fortify his Senate campaign amidst recent controversies, Democrat Graham Platner will engage with voters at a town hall event in Maine this Sunday. This interaction marks a crucial moment as Platner addresses concerns raised by reports about his past conduct with women.
The upcoming event in Portland, scheduled just two days before a pivotal Democratic primary, remains a significant test for Platner. Although he is still considered a frontrunner, the primary might reflect whether recent allegations have dampened enthusiasm for his unconventional candidacy.
On Thursday, The New York Times published a report featuring allegations from a former girlfriend, who claimed that Platner had physically restrained her during arguments, including an incident where he allegedly twisted her arm and confined her to a room. Platner has consistently denied these accusations of violence.
Additional interviews with Platner’s ex-girlfriends presented a mixed picture: some shared positive experiences, while others described him as unpredictable and verbally harsh. This report followed earlier revelations about Platner’s exchange of sexually explicit messages with multiple women during his marriage.
Despite these claims, no prominent Democrats have withdrawn their endorsements of Platner. He remains focused on unseating Republican Senator Susan Collins in the forthcoming November election.
Demonstrating ongoing support, Platner recently rallied with California Representative Ro Khanna in Bar Harbor. The event concluded with a standing ovation, as Platner confidently asserted that the people of Maine “have my back.”
A combat veteran, Platner has repeatedly said that he struggled with alcohol and post traumatic stress disorder after his military service, but says he is a changed man.
The latest news has deepened some Democrats’ nervousness about Platner, who already faced scrutiny over online posts that were dismissive of sexual assault and a skull tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol. Platner has apologized for the posts and covered up the tattoo., saying he didn’t realize its significance when he got it.
Rahm Emanuel, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who spent the weekend in neighboring New Hampshire, said the “jury is still out” on whether Platner can beat Collins.
“Everybody is holding their breath whether this is the start of something or the end of something,” he said. “If it’s the end, that’s one thing. If it’s the beginning of something and we’re not done, that’s another thing.”
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Associated Press writer Steven Sloan contributed to this report from Warren, New Hampshire. Kruesi reported from Providence, Rhode Island.
