Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has stated that he regrets his past endorsement and support for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner following a recent sexual assault allegation that led Platner to suspend his campaign.
"I will say I got that call wrong," Khanna said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." "I endorse a lot of people, but when I make a mistake, I take accountability. And I think what people want is the humility to take accountability if you make a call that's wrong."
Platner announced his withdrawal from the race last week after a report detailed an alleged sexual assault of an ex-girlfriend in 2021. Several prominent Democratic figures had initially backed Platner in his bid to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Khanna had personally campaigned with Platner in June, even as other controversies and allegations of sexual misconduct had surfaced. Host Kristen Welker questioned Khanna on "Meet the Press" about why past controversies, including those detailed in The New York Times regarding emotional abuse and aggressive behavior, were not a breaking point.
"For me, the line always was sexual assault or sexual violence, and as soon as that came out, I was the first person to withdraw my endorsement," Khanna stated. He added, "I think what is important, though, is to understand his politics. He was opposed to foreign wars, for Medicare for All and why the progressive movement, more broadly, why these issues are resonating."
Previously, Khanna had appeared to downplay earlier allegations against Platner, suggesting that a report from The New York Times indicated "no harm, no injury." He had stated on CBS' "Face the Nation" that while there was "toxicity, and there was verbal intimidation, which I condemn," there was no evidence of violence, which he considered a "red line."