Rep. Ro Khanna is facing criticism for his past support of Maine Democrat Graham Platner, who withdrew his U.S. Senate bid on Friday amid accusations of rape and reports of unsettling conduct toward women. Khanna's congressional committee, Ro for Congress, funded a rally in Bar Harbor last month that featured Platner as a speaker, shortly before a New York Times report detailed allegations of intimidating and threatening behavior by Platner toward former girlfriends.
Platner's ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot accused him of rape in 2021, alleging he entered her home without permission while intoxicated. The New York Times report, published June 4, included accounts from three ex-girlfriends describing unsettling conduct, sometimes coupled with drinking. One ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, described behavior including being physically grabbed and Platner keeping an AR-15 rifle visible in his apartment, alongside fantasies about killing people.
Khanna had initially expressed strong support for Platner. He appeared in a video with Platner discussing his journey and spoke at the rally, stating, "We reject misogyny. We reject it. You know who else rejects it? Graham Platner." However, after Racicot's rape allegation surfaced, Khanna abruptly withdrew his endorsement and called for Platner to end his Senate campaign. He later admitted to Politico, "I got the Platner call wrong obviously."
California Republicans criticized Khanna's judgment. Corrin Rankin, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, stated, "Socialists excuse bad behavior toward women when it fits their extreme agenda." A spokesperson for Khanna defended the rally, characterizing it as part of a broader effort to support Democratic candidates, and clarified that Khanna's campaign did not directly fund Platner's campaign, only the event which also featured other Maine candidates like Troy Jackson and Matt Dunlap.
Platner, who has also faced scrutiny over a tattoo of a Nazi symbol, denied the rape accusation. He attributed his past conduct to heavy drinking and post-traumatic stress. In a video released Wednesday, Platner blamed his withdrawal on "large forces," "corporate media," and the "political establishment."
In addition to the rape allegation and reports of disturbing behavior, an ex-campaign aide revealed Platner allegedly sent inappropriate messages to multiple women while he was married and around the time he announced his Senate bid in August 2025. Offensive posts on Reddit forums, where Platner appeared to mock victims of sexual assault, were also uncovered.