California Congressman Defends Maine Senate Candidate Amid Abuse Allegations, Says He Believes Accuser

By Maine News Now Staff

A prominent California congressman is standing by Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner despite a damning New York Times report detailing allegations of abusive behavior from his ex-girlfriend, while simultaneously stating he believes the accuser's account.

Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, appeared Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" where host Margaret Brennan pressed him on allegations made by Lyndsey Fifield, Platner's former girlfriend. Khanna acknowledged the serious nature of the accusations while defending his continued support for Platner's campaign.

"My view is that, even according to the New York Times piece, they said there was no harm, no injury," Khanna said. "There was toxicity, and there was verbal intimidation, which I condemn, but Graham has made it clear that there was no evidence of violence."

When pressed specifically about Fifield's claims that Platner forcibly pulled her out of a taxi by the wrist and grabbed her by the shoulders, Khanna was unequivocal in his response.

"Yes, and I don't think our side should be attacking her, and I appreciate her courage for coming forward," Khanna said. "I believe her. I think Graham acted shamefully, and he acted, as the New York Times described it as a toxic relationship. It is shameful. It is ugly. It happened in a dark period of his life."

Fifield also detailed another incident in which she alleged Platner pushed her into a bedroom and held the door shut. She told the Times she was only able to leave after falling asleep and waking up later.

Despite these allegations, Khanna has repeatedly campaigned alongside Platner and defended the candidate's character. The congressman emphasized his belief in redemption and pointed to Platner's stated remorse.

"He found peace, and he is ashamed of that period," Khanna said. "To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving our lives, and we need that redemption in this country."

Khanna also cited shared policy priorities as a reason for his endorsement. "I agree with a lot of his economic policies, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class," he said.

The New York Times report is only the latest controversy surrounding Platner, who is the presumptive Democratic nominee for Maine's open Senate seat. Prior coverage had already highlighted a tattoo on his body that resembled a Nazi symbol, controversial posts on Reddit, and reports that he sent explicit messages to multiple women while married.

Platner has denied the allegations contained in the Times report, calling them "simply not true."

The Senate race in Maine is expected to be competitive, with the seat currently held by an independent senator.