Schumer Maintains Support for Platner Amid Allegations
In Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) continues to back Graham Platner during the Maine Democratic primary on Tuesday, despite recent sexual misconduct allegations that have emerged against the newcomer.
On Monday, Schumer avoided directly addressing whether members of his party should continue to support Platner in the upcoming primary. His office declined to comment when asked for clarification.
Platner, a 41-year-old military veteran, faces allegations from multiple ex-girlfriends who described him as having been misogynistic and even physically abusive. Claims include incidents where he allegedly twisted his ex-girlfriend’s arm and confined her in his room during an argument, as reported by The New York Times.
One of the former partners, Lindsey Fifield, mentioned that Platner once made jokes about getting a “Nazi tattoo” after his military service, citing his fellow soldiers as comparable to a “death squad” that committed murder. He has denied any knowledge of the Nazi symbol associated with Hitler’s SS.
In a statement, Platner acknowledged a turbulent period in his life marked by undiagnosed PTSD and described past struggles with alcohol. He expressed remorse for his previous behavior while asserting that further characterizations of him were unfounded and politically charged. He stated, “I take responsibility for all of that, and I wish I could have been better.”
Amy Gartner, the wife of another Maine Democrat, disclosed that Platner had sent inappropriate messages to at least six women while married, as reported by the Times and Wall Street Journal.
In light of these controversies, Schumer, who holds a significant position in Congress as the highest-ranking Jewish member, recently remarked, “I spoke with Graham Platner today. We’re going to defeat Susan Collins and take back the Senate.”
Democratic leaders reiterated their support for Platner during a press conference, only occasionally redirecting to underscore their backing amidst an onslaught of inquiries about candidates challenging incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Though Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) enjoy public favor, a campaign whisper has begun to rally support for Platner’s former competitor, Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.
Schumer and Gillibrand had previously endorsed Mills before she withdrew from the race, viewing Maine as a critical opportunity for Senate Democrats in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Replacing Mills, who suspended her campaign in April, with Platner would not only be unprecedented but could also risk division within the party. However, Mills has indicated that Platner will remain on the primary ballot set for June 9.
A source close to Mills shared that the governor is still a contender and has been receiving encouragement from supporters in Maine to pursue the race more actively.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, led by Gillibrand, has raised some advertising funds due to the allegations against Platner. Accusations include maintaining an active account on Kik, a messaging platform often scrutinized for associations with grooming and sexual predation.
Platner’s Kik account, linked to an offensive Reddit username, has drawn criticism for containing inappropriate remarks about sensitive topics such as rape and military conduct.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) commented on the situation, stating that “every Democrat knows” about Platner’s past. He challenged him to validate claims regarding inappropriate behavior online.
In a retort, Platner critiqued Fetterman, suggesting that his unpopularity stems from political affiliations rather than wardrobe issues. His campaign confirmed that, while his Kik profile was active, he had not used the app for an extended period.
