Washington — On Sunday, California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna criticized Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s alleged inappropriate behavior towards women. However, he acknowledged that Platner has taken responsibility for his actions.
“His behavior was misogynistic, disgraceful, and plainly wrong, yet it didn’t shock many people in Maine,” Khanna remarked during his appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
Khanna joined Platner in Maine on Friday as part of the Democratic effort to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November’s highly scrutinized election race. With Democrats eyeing control of the Senate, Collins’ seat is pivotal, especially given that she is the sole Republican senator from a state that Vice President Kamala Harris secured in 2024.
“The Maine residents I spoke with are not pleased with his behavior. They were aware of these issues but are open to offering him forgiveness and are now concentrating on his campaign goals,” Khanna stated.
Last week, reports emerged of Platner sending inappropriate messages to women outside his marriage, alongside fresh allegations about his treatment of former partners. A subsequent New York Times article detailed Platner’s “disturbing” conduct, including an accusation of physical abuse, which Platner has denied.
The Times report included claims from Lyndsey Fifield, Platner’s ex-girlfriend, who recounted incidents from a decade ago where he “often grabbed her by the shoulders, sometimes with enough force to leave marks.” She also described a confrontation where he “twisted her arm, pushed her into a room, and barred the door to prevent her exit.”
Some Democrats questioned the timing of the allegations — days before Platner’s primary — and the credibility of Fifield — who the Platner campaign points out.
But Khanna said he believed Fifield.
“I don’t think our side should be attacking her, and I appreciate her courage in coming forward,” Khanna said, calling her political background “irrelevant.” “I believe her.”
Asked whether he was confident all of the damaging information has come out against Platner, Khanna said, “That’s what he says.”
“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 added.
On the allegations detailed by the Times, Khanna pointed to Fifield saying that she was not injured.
“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 said.
