Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, is set to hold a town hall in Portland as the campaign faces fresh reporting about his past treatment of women. The event comes two days before a Democratic primary that is still expected to be h
PORTLAND, Maine — Graham Platner is set to face Maine voters Sunday in a town hall-style event, with the campaign trying to steady itself after new reports about his past treatment of women.
The evening gathering in Portland arrives two days before a Democratic primary that remains widely seen as Platner’s to win. Still, the timing could offer a clearer sense of whether enthusiasm for his iconoclastic candidacy has softened.
The most recent strain on the race followed reporting from The New York Times on Thursday. describing allegations from an ex-girlfriend that Platner repeatedly grabbed her by the shoulders during arguments. and that he once twisted her arm behind her back. locked her in a room. and held her there. Platner has repeatedly called those allegations of violence untrue.
The reporting also included interviews with other former girlfriends. Some described positive experiences, while others said he could be volatile and insulting.
The new allegations landed days after additional coverage that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women while he was married.
Even with the controversy, no major Democrats who had previously endorsed Platner have rescinded their support. He is running in November to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
On Friday, Platner held a rally with California Rep. Ro Khanna in Bar Harbor. The rally ended with Platner receiving a standing ovation, and he declared that Mainers “have my back.”
Platner is a combat veteran who has repeatedly said he struggled with alcohol and post traumatic stress disorder after his military service, and he says he is a changed man.
But the latest developments have deepened some Democrats’ nervousness about Platner. who already faced scrutiny over online posts that were dismissive of sexual assault. along with 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,” Emanuel 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.”
Graham Platner Maine U.S. Senate Susan Collins Democratic primary town hall Ro Khanna Rahm Emanuel allegations women campaign