Topline
Graham Platner, Maine’s presumptive Democratic nominee for Senate, faced a new set of allegations Thursday reported by The New York Times, which interviewed multiple women who accused Platner of disturbing behavior and creating “toxic” relationships—a report that comes just days after he and his wife dismissed reports he sexted other women while married.
Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee for the Senate race in Maine (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images).
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Key Facts
Some of the women interviewed by the Times described Platner as fun, caring and safe to be around, though others detailed “toxic” relationships they had with him.
Lyndsey Fifield, 40, who dated Platner from 2013 to 2015, told the Times that Platner was “cavalierly contemptuous of women’s emotions, of our ‘weakness.’”gram
Fifield also accused Platner of being rough with her while he drank, clarifying to the Times she was never struck by him but was regularly grabbed by the shoulders.
Jenny Racicot, 41, who dated Platner between 2019 and 2021, referenced controversial online posts he made in the past about sexual assault and rural white Americans, saying she “recognized a version of him that I had experiences with.”
Forbes has reached out to Platner’s campaign, which told the Times he “strongly disputes” claims of physical intimidation or altercations—though it did not dispute the claims around his remarks.
The Times noted it could not independently corroborate Fifield’s claims regarding physical contact.
Crucial Quote
“Let’s be very clear: This is a lifelong G.O.P. operative who’s dedicated her career to electing Republicans.” Platner’s campaign told the Times about Fifield, who has worked for Republican campaigns in Virginia.
Tangent
Platner’s odds of winning one of Maine’s Senate race have plummeted this week on Kalshi. The GOP nominee (expected to be longtime Sen. Susan Collins) is now the 52% favorite, a dramatic change from the 72.7% odds Democrats held on May 22.
Key Background
The Times report is the latest controversy surrounding Platner, who this weekend brushed off reports of allegedly sexting women while married. He and his wife, Amy Gertner, who married Platner in 2023, called the reports “gossip,” with Platner saying he and his wife have a “very loving and very happy marriage” before accusing the media of trying to “rip that apart.” Progressive leaders including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., have supported Platner despite the controversy, with Gallego saying, “he’s willing to accept that he has grown as a person, and I think we should accept that.” Platner has apologized for his past controversial online posts, which reportedly encouraged people to not take substances to avoid being raped. Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, has also blamed his online activity on the “disillusionment” he felt after returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The candidate also notably covered up a tattoo he received while in the military, after claiming he did not know its connection to Nazism and alleging he got it while drunk.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Maine’s primaries are June 9.
Further Reading
Progressive Leaders Brush Off Graham Platner’s Sexting Controversy: ‘He Has Grown’ (Forbes)
Graham Platner’s Betting Odds Fall In Maine Senate Race Amid Sexting Scandal (Forbes)