Maine Democratic Senate primary frontrunner Graham Platner is scheduled to meet with Democratic senators in Washington on Tuesday, a visit that comes as the party grapples with allegations that he sent sexually explicit text messages to as many as a dozen women in 2023, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. The meetings, first reported by Axios, will give senators a chance to question Platner directly about the accusations.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) voiced concerns over the weekend, telling ABC News, "Yes, I have concerns. That guy has questions to answer. And that's what campaigns are for." Other Senate Democrats have been more reticent, with some choosing to "stay out of it" amid the growing controversy, according to the Washington Examiner.
The scandal has heightened Democratic anxiety about Platner's viability in a must-win Senate race against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had backed Gov. Janet Mills in the primary, but she suspended her campaign last month, effectively making Platner the presumptive nominee despite the unresolved allegations.
Platner has already weathered previous scrutiny over past racist and sexist Reddit posts and a tattoo associated with Nazi imagery. The new sexting revelations have deepened doubts about whether he can withstand a general election battle. Platner is also scheduled to attend fundraisers in Washington, including one hosted by Ron Klain, former chief of staff to former President Biden.
Some political analysts suggest the party may be weighing whether Platner's troubles represent the campaign's final embarrassment or merely its latest. With the primary approaching, the lack of a strong alternative leaves Senate Democrats in a precarious position—needing to hold a critical seat but wary of embracing a candidate burdened by multiple controversies.