Rep. Ro Khanna defended Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner as the campaign faces new allegations and growing questions about whether the controversy could damage Democrats’ chances in one of the country’s most important Senate races.
Khanna, a California Democrat and prominent progressive, acknowledged that Platner’s past relationships were “toxic and volatile,” but argued that the candidate has taken accountability and deserves a chance at redemption. His comments came during an interview with Fox News Digital ahead of a rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, where Platner appeared with Khanna and other progressive candidates.
Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer, is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The race is considered critical because control of the Senate could depend on a small number of competitive contests.
But Platner’s campaign has been overshadowed by a series of controversies. He has faced criticism over past Reddit comments, sexually explicit messages, and a tattoo that critics said resembled Nazi-linked imagery. More recently, former girlfriends told The New York Times about alleged troubling behavior, including heavy drinking, violent episodes, and disturbing comments. Platner has denied the most serious allegations and has said the scrutiny is politically motivated.
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Khanna did not dismiss the seriousness of the reports. He said Democrats must be clear that they oppose misogyny and that there is “no excuse” for toxic or volatile relationships. But he also said Platner told him he was in a dark period after returning from military service and later found peace after coming back to Maine and working as an oyster farmer.
“To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives,” Khanna said, according to Fox News Digital. He added that the country needs room for redemption.
Khanna’s defense is politically significant because he is one of the progressive figures standing by Platner as other Democrats express concern. Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania recently said Platner had “disqualified himself” in her eyes, showing that the controversy is creating division inside the Democratic Party.
Collins, who is seeking a sixth term, has also weighed in. She told reporters that the latest allegations are troubling and said Platner has “a lot of questions to answer.”
Platner addressed supporters at the Bar Harbor rally and thanked them for standing behind him. He said his past struggles, including PTSD and recovery, were being “dug up” and “weaponized” against him. He also called the most serious accusations false and politically motivated.
His campaign said more than 600 people attended the rally and that it raised $200,000 in the previous 24 hours, which the campaign described as its strongest fundraising day since Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign.
Mills’ name remains on the Democratic primary ballot, and reports say some Democrats have urged her to reconsider amid Platner’s controversies. However, there does not appear to be an active campaign effort on her behalf.
The situation has left Democrats with a difficult choice. Platner’s supporters see him as a working-class populist who can energize voters and challenge Collins on economic issues. His critics worry that the allegations and past controversies could make him a liability in November.
Republicans are already using the controversy to attack Platner. GOP groups have highlighted the allegations, his tattoo controversy, and past comments in ads and social media posts. If Platner wins the primary, those attacks are likely to become central to the general election.
For now, Khanna’s message is that Platner’s past should not automatically end his campaign if voters believe he has changed. But other Democrats appear less convinced, and the primary will test whether Maine voters agree with Khanna’s call for redemption or decide the controversy is too much.
Why It Matters
Maine’s Senate race could help decide control of the Senate. If Platner becomes the Democratic nominee, Republicans are likely to make his past controversies a central issue against him.
Khanna’s comments also matter because they show the Democratic divide: some progressives are emphasizing accountability and redemption, while other Democrats believe the allegations raise serious questions about Platner’s fitness for office.
What Comes Next
Maine voters will decide the Democratic nominee in Tuesday’s primary. If Platner wins, Democrats will have to decide how strongly to unite behind him against Susan Collins.
If the controversy continues, expect Republicans to keep highlighting the allegations, while Platner and his allies try to refocus the race on economic issues and working-class voters.
BREAKING: California Democrat Ro Khanna says the allegations against Graham Platner reported by The New York Times are “wrong and toxic,” but says he will still appear alongside him at a rally in Maine tonight.
In a statement, Congressman Khanna wrote, “The people of Maine… pic.twitter.com/QGoMXPDEyl
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 5, 2026
