Khanna, a California Democrat who has become one of the most prominent left-wing voices in Congress, is backing Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite a growing list of controversies that have rocked the Democrat’s campaign.
Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer seeking to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, has spent recent weeks defending himself against allegations involving his past behavior, relationships, and comments.
The candidate has already faced scrutiny over inflammatory Reddit posts, a tattoo he later acknowledged resembled a Nazi symbol, and allegations from former girlfriends involving rape fantasies, excessive drinking, violent outbursts and abusive behavior.
Despite those allegations, Khanna appeared alongside Platner at a campaign rally in Maine and defended the Democrat during an interview with Fox News Digital.
“I’m more concerned about making it clear that we’re opposed to misogyny. Those relationships were toxic and volatile. There’s no excuse for that,” Khanna said.
However, Khanna quickly pivoted to defending Platner, arguing that the candidate had changed.
According to Khanna, Platner told him he was going through a dark period after returning from combat tours in Iraq and later found peace after returning to Maine.
“He is ashamed of that period,” Khanna said. “To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives, and we need that redemption in this country.”
Khanna also praised Platner’s economic agenda, saying he agreed with many of the candidate’s positions on taxing billionaires and focusing on working-class Americans.
The comments immediately drew attention because of Khanna’s previous statements during the 2018 Supreme Court confirmation battle involving Brett Kavanaugh.
After Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault, Khanna publicly declared his support for Ford and tweeted that Kavanaugh was not fit to serve on the Supreme Court.
“I stand with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford. Brett Kavanaugh is not fit to sit on the Supreme Court. #BelieveSurvivors,” Khanna wrote at the time.
Critics now argue that Khanna appears willing to apply a different standard when the accused individual is a Democrat running in one of the party’s most important Senate races.
The race is viewed as critical because Republicans currently hold only a narrow Senate majority. Democratic leaders see Collins’ Maine seat as one of their best opportunities to gain ground in the chamber.
Collins responded cautiously when asked about the latest allegations against Platner.
“The allegations in the latest story are troubling,” Collins told reporters. “And I believe that Graham Platner has a lot of questions to answer.”
At a rally Friday, Platner attempted to push back against the growing controversy, claiming the allegations are politically motivated and part of an effort to derail his campaign.
“When politically motivated, serious and false accusations are made against me, Maine, you have my back,” Platner told supporters.
Republicans have seized on the controversy.
The Republican National Committee accused Platner of trying to downplay a troubling history, while Republican Senate groups have launched advertising campaigns highlighting the allegations and past controversies surrounding the Democrat, Fox News reported.
Even with the negative headlines, Khanna remains firmly behind Platner and predicted he will ultimately become the Democratic nominee.
“Platner is going to come out victorious,” Khanna said. “And we need to unite and realize that the goal is defeating Susan Collins.”
Whether Maine voters agree remains to be seen, but the controversy has once again raised questions about whether Democrats apply the same standards to members of their own party that they demand for their political opponents.
