Key facts
- Rep. Madeleine Dean stated Graham Platner has disqualified himself from the Maine Senate race.
- Platner faces allegations of domestic abuse from a former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield.
- Platner previously faced scrutiny for a tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol.
- Platner made past Reddit posts using homophobic slurs and dismissive of military sexual assault.
- Platner acknowledged personal failings but denied broader allegations, calling them politically motivated.
- Maine Gov. Janet Mills remains on the ballot for the Democratic primary.
Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., stated that Graham Platner has disqualified himself from the Maine U.S. Senate race due to a growing list of controversies. Dean's comments came in response to questions about Platner's campaign. Platner, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins, has been accused by a former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, of domestic abuse, including grabbing her forcefully and twisting her arm. Platner acknowledged personal failings but denied the broader allegations, attributing them to political motivation. Further scrutiny has surrounded Platner due to a tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol and past Reddit posts containing homophobic slurs and dismissive remarks about military sexual assault, for which he has apologized. Meanwhile, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended active campaigning, remains on the Democratic primary ballot, with votes for her expected to be counted. Dean also discussed broader political issues, including U.S. policy on Iran and immigration enforcement funding. Days before the Senate primary, Platner insisted he would not drop out despite a New York Times report detailing unsettling behavior from three women who dated him.