Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said Sunday that Congress must hold candidates to a higher standard after allegations surfaced regarding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner (D), telling CNN's Dana Bash on 'State of the Union' that Americans 'expect and deserve better.' The Republican congressman appeared alongside Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) to discuss the progressive oyster farmer, whose campaign has been shaken by reports about his past behavior toward women.
The New York Times reported Thursday that three of Platner's former girlfriends had described their experiences with him — some calling him caring while others characterized his conduct as 'toxic.' The newspaper also reported that Lyndsey Fifield, a Virginia conservative who dated Platner from 2013 to 2015, said he was physically rough with her at times. Additionally, the Times reported that Platner had a tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi symbol; he apologized for it last year and later covered it up.
What the Left Is Saying
Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) said he has been 'unsettled' by Platner 'for a long time about the issues and the positions he takes on issues, not just these allegations about his personal conduct.' The Democrat acknowledged that voters will ultimately decide the race but emphasized that members of Congress have an obligation to speak clearly when concerns arise.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has endorsed Platner, defended the candidate while acknowledging complexities in his background. 'I'm sure he's not a saint,' Sanders told CNN's Kaitlan Collins, adding that Platner 'went through some very bloody and horrible situations' and 'has acknowledged that he came back with PTSD.' Some Democrats have privately expressed concern that Platner's controversies could cost the party a chance to flip Maine's Senate seat.
What the Right Is Saying
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick called the latest allegations toward Platner 'very, very troubling,' saying Congress must set a higher bar for those seeking federal office. 'Yes, it is ultimately up to the voters, and the voters will decide, but we still have our opinions,' he said. 'People like you are going to ask us our opinions, and we have to be clear and unequivocal on what those opinions are.'
Fitzpatrick noted he has previously voted to expel both Democratic and Republican lawmakers from Congress and to strip members from committee assignments. 'I've been consistent on this,' he said. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, found sexually explicit text messages the candidate sent to several other women.
What the Numbers Show
The University of Massachusetts Lowell/YouGov poll conducted Thursday and released Friday found Platner with 48 percent support in a hypothetical general election matchup against Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who received 43 percent support from respondents, with 9 percent undecided. The margin of error was not immediately clear.
Platner has disputed most allegations, including those suggesting physical abuse or assault, telling MS NOW on Thursday that some of the more serious accusations 'are simply not true.' Gertner called the media coverage of her husband's conduct 'shameful' and received a standing ovation at a Friday campaign rally where supporters chanted her name.
The Bottom Line
The controversy comes as Democrats seek to expand their Senate majority in 2026. Maine's seat, currently held by Collins, is considered competitive after years of the veteran Republican winning re-election. It remains unclear whether the latest revelations will shift voter sentiment ahead of November's election.