Rep. Ro Khanna of California said Friday that Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner should apologize to women who recently came forward describing disturbing behavior they experienced with him, adding that he believes what Platner allegedly did was "wrong" and "misogynistic."
Khanna, a high-profile progressive Democrat, is in Maine to campaign for Platner and other party candidates ahead of Tuesday's primary. Khanna spoke to NBC News following reports that three women described "toxic" and "unsettling" behavior from Platner in accounts published by The New York Times.
One woman, Lyndsey Fifield, told the Times that Platner once "twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door closed from the other side so she couldn't get out, telling her to remain there until she was 'calm.'" Two additional women described broader patterns of concerning conduct during past relationships with Platner.
What the Left Is Saying
Khanna, speaking in his personal capacity, said he believes Platner's alleged behavior was wrong but that the candidate has shown accountability and personal growth. "I think he should apologize. I believe what did was wrong, was misogynistic, was toxic or volatile," Khanna said. He added that he knows Platner is "ashamed of it" and that apologizing would be appropriate to demonstrate understanding "why it's important to stand up to a misogynistic culture."
Progressive groups have not uniformly rallied behind Platner following the allegations. Some feminist organizations and women's advocacy groups have called on Democratic Party leadership to distance itself from the candidate, arguing that supporting someone accused of abusive behavior contradicts core party values on gender equality.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have seized on the allegations as evidence of Democratic hypocrisy on issues of women's safety and empowerment. National Republican Senatorial Committee communications have highlighted Khanna's endorsement alongside the accusations against Platner.
Platner himself disputed some allegations in an interview with MS NOW, saying: "Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who's politically motivated." His campaign has pointed to Fifield's past work for conservative groups and Republican campaigns as evidence the timing of her allegations may be politically motivated.
What the Numbers Show
Fifield worked previously at conservative organizations including Turning Point USA and for Republican political campaigns, according to public records reviewed by NBC News. Her professional background in conservative politics has become a point of contention in the debate over the credibility of the accusations.
Polling in Maine's Senate race had shown Platner competitive among Democratic primary candidates before the allegations surfaced. The impact on his electoral prospects remains uncertain as voters weigh competing considerations about accountability, redemption, and political pragmatism.
The Bottom Line
The controversy puts Khanna and national Democrats in a difficult position ahead of Tuesday's primary. While Khanna has called for an apology, he has not withdrawn his endorsement, arguing that Platner has demonstrated personal growth. The situation tests how Democratic candidates and endorsers navigate allegations against allies while maintaining party commitments to women's safety. What happens in Maine on Tuesday will be closely watched by both parties as they assess the political fallout from these accusations.