Forget corruption: From Graham Platner to Ken Paxton, both parties embrace the politics of hypocrisy

Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Faces Scrutiny Over Past Relationships, Tattoo as Primary Approaches

A Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine is navigating a series of controversies in the final days before his primary election, drawing national attention to a race that could help determine control of the Senate.

Graham Platner, 41, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner served three combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan after enlisting in the Marines following high school. He has cited struggles with depression, PTSD, and heavy drinking following his military service as part of his personal history.

Several of Platner's former romantic partners have publicly described conduct they say occurred during their relationships. Three women spoke to the New York Times, with two offering detailed accounts of behavior they characterized as physically aggressive and emotionally distressing.

Lyndsey Fifield told the Times that Platner regularly grabbed her by the shoulders, sometimes hard enough to leave marks. She said he once pulled her from a cab by the wrist after an argument and, in a separate incident, twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom, and held the door shut while telling her to remain there until she was "calm." Platner then fell asleep, according to Fifield, who said, "It hurt."

Fifield also said Platner would speak about wanting to harm people he viewed as threats, including describing rape as an act of power. In a 2016 diary entry, she referred to him as "the most toxic, literally abusive man on earth who destroyed my life."

Another former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, told the Times that Platner "does not respect women" and described his behavior as "reckless" and "unsettling," including one instance in which he arrived at her home intoxicated after she had asked him not to come over. Other former partners described their relationships with Platner in positive terms.

Platner has denied the allegations, telling MSNOW's Chris Hayes, "Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who's politically motivated." He has noted that Fifield has previously worked with Republican campaigns and conservative organizations, a connection Fifield says is irrelevant to the truth of her account.

A separate controversy involves a tattoo on Platner's chest, which one former girlfriend said he referred to using a German word for "death's head," a symbol historically associated with Nazi SS units. Platner has maintained he was unaware of the symbol's origins when he got the tattoo years ago.

Despite the controversies, several prominent national Democrats have rallied to Platner's side. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ro Khanna have both campaigned with him, though Khanna has publicly described Platner's past behavior as "misogynistic" and said he owes the women involved an apology. Khanna has also said he believes Platner deserves "redemption."

The primary contest has drawn unusual national interest, in part because Democrats view Maine as a potential pickup opportunity in their effort to gain a Senate majority. Platner entered the race after Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign, though her name remains on the ballot. Mills, 78, had been considered the early fronchise establishment choice.

Platner has cultivated an image as a populist outsider, running on policy priorities including higher wages and expanded health care access. Supporters point to his military service and working-class background as credentials that distinguish him from career politicians.

Whether Maine primary voters will look past the allegations or view them as disqualifying remains an open question, and one that may not be answered until results come in.

Meanwhile in Texas, Republicans are facing a parallel test of their willingness to overlook a candidate's personal baggage. State Attorney General Ken Paxton won the GOP Senate nomination on Tuesday, defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff with the endorsement of President Trump.

Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 following allegations from former aides that he abused his office to benefit an Austin real estate donor. The Texas Senate ultimately did not convict him, and a federal investigation into the matter was closed without charges. Paxton has also previously faced a federal securities fraud case, which was settled without a trial. His estranged wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, has alleged adultery in divorce proceedings, which Paxton has denied.

The response from some Texas Republicans has been notably muted. The state GOP deleted earlier critical posts about Paxton once his victory became apparent. Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price has publicly called Paxton "corrupt and immoral," but others in the party have moved quickly to unify behind the nominee.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who had backed Cornyn, told a radio audience that the party is "making the pivot" and described Paxton as "all-in, ready to go for the fall election, already on the phone raising money and all the things you're going to have to do to be successful." Thune added that "losing is not an option when it comes to the state of Texas."

Paxton will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election in November.

The back-to-back episodes in Maine and Texas have fueled broader questions about the standards political parties apply to their own candidates versus those of the opposition, a dynamic that has become a recurring feature of the post-Trump political landscape.