MAINE — Graham Platner, a candidate in the Maine Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, faces public allegations regarding sexually explicit messages, a tattoo, and firearm handling. The Platner campaign confirmed he sent sexually explicit messages to multiple women during his marriage.
Platner covered up a tattoo containing symbols associated with Nazism. He stated that he was unaware of the historical meaning behind the symbols on the tattoo. Platner previously published social media posts that criticized rural residents and minimized sexual assault. He completed two military tours in Iraq and operates an oyster farm in Maine. His campaign platform includes proposals for national health insurance, increased taxes on billionaires, and he opposes current U.S. military engagement abroad.
Lyndsey Fifield, who dated Platner for approximately two years, reported that he left an AR-15 rifle unsecured in his Capitol Hill apartment. Fifield also reported that Platner stated he would sexually assault an intruder to assert dominance. She stated that Platner grabbed her shoulder and pulled her arm during an altercation but did not strike her. Platner's campaign described Fifield as a conservative Republican political operative.
U.S. Representative Ro Khanna continues to campaign for Platner despite the allegations of past misconduct. Khanna acknowledged Platner's actions. "His actions were misogynistic, they were shameful, they were wrong." Khanna said. "If there was evidence of violence, I would not support him." "If there was evidence of sexual assault, I would have zero support for him." "One thing I want to make very clear, we should not be attacking the women who came forward." "We should not be attacking the journalists." "Yes. And I don't think our side should be attacking her." "Absolutely. They should not attack her."
No independent assessment of Graham Platner’s claims was available.