Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is facing renewed criticism for his judgment after withdrawing his endorsement of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who faces a new allegation of sexual assault. This withdrawal comes just months after Gallego rescinded his support for Eric Swalwell's California gubernatorial bid following separate accusations of sexual misconduct.
Both Platner and Swalwell have denied the allegations against them. Gallego announced his decision to withdraw support for Platner in a social media post, describing the accusations as "troubling and deeply serious." However, Lyndsey Fifield, Platner's former girlfriend and accuser, questioned Gallego's timing, suggesting he had prior knowledge of the allegations.
Fifield's account, detailed in a New York Times report, included allegations of repeated physical aggression by Platner during their past relationship. Platner has denied these claims.
Despite these allegations, Platner had garnered support from influential Democrats, including figures associated with "Pod Save America." Jon Lovett and Jon Favreau had previously commented on the allegations while advocating for Platner's candidacy as a means to secure a Democratic majority in the Senate.
A spokesperson for Gallego stated that the senator "did the right thing and broke with those individuals when he learned they had betrayed values he proudly fights for." However, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., urged other Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to apologize for their support of Platner. Fetterman criticized those who initially downplayed the allegations, suggesting they failed to believe or dismissed the accusers.
Fetterman also broadly criticized Democrats who endorsed both Swalwell and Platner, urging them to "stop getting in bed with absolute dirtbags."
A review of public records indicates Gallego was the only sitting member of Congress to have publicly endorsed both Swalwell and Platner. While labor union affiliates were involved in both races, they were not the same entities.
Legal and political commentators have also weighed in on Gallego's situation. Mike Fragoso, former chief counsel to Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, noted the shifting sentiment towards Platner. Jonathan Turley, a law professor and Fox News Media contributor, described a "bizarre pattern" in Gallego's endorsements of candidates facing allegations of abusive treatment of women.
Republican Arizona State Senator Warren Peterson criticized Gallego's judgment, stating, "Another Gallego endorsement going down in flames."
The scrutiny on Gallego extends beyond these endorsements. He has also faced questions regarding his campaign spending, including the use of campaign funds for personal travel and expenses. Additionally, his 2016 divorce from Kate Gallego, who was pregnant at the time of the filing, has been a subject of discussion.