Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., has emerged as one of Graham Platner's most prominent financial backers in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins in Maine's Senate race, with $10,000 in donations from Whitehouse's leadership PAC according to Federal Election Commission records reviewed by Fox News Digital.
The two $5,000 contributions came through Whitehouse's Ocean PAC—one in March 2026 and another last October. The more recent donation preceded former Democratic candidate Janet Mills suspending her campaign at the end of April, leaving Platner as the party's presumed nominee against Collins in the blue-leaning state.
What the Left Is Saying
Whitehouse has remained a consistent public defender of Platner despite emerging allegations about the Maine candidate's past conduct. In an interview with Politico, Whitehouse described Platner as having a 'wonderfully appealing local background and story' and said he is 'off to a really strong start.'
When pressed by NOTUS about New York Times reporting documenting accounts from several of Platner's former romantic interests—including allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking, and violent episodes—Whitehouse appeared dismissive. 'Seems like a lot of nothing,' Whitehouse told reporters after reading the article. He characterized one woman's account as coming from someone who 'works for right-wing political operations.'
Democratic strategists have noted that Maine's electoral dynamics make Platner's candidacy strategically important to party hopes of maintaining Senate competitiveness, which may explain continued establishment support despite controversy.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative critics quickly pointed to what they described as a stark inconsistency between Whitehouse's treatment of Platner and his past conduct during Brett Kavanaugh's 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearings. During those proceedings, Whitehouse was among the most aggressive questioners of the nominee over alleged sexual misconduct.
"Whitehouse is the guy who grilled Brett Kavanaugh about 'boofing.' Just unreal," wrote Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross on X.
GOP consultant Luke Thompson posted: "To the people just now learning that Sheldon Whitehouse is an amoral cretin, your ignorance to this point has been a choice."
"Dismissing a vivid account of physical abuse because it happened to a Republican operative is the most [Sheldon Whitehouse] thing I've ever heard," wrote Republican operative Matt Whitlock on X.
Amber Duke, editor-in-chief of the Daily Caller, highlighted Whitehouse's own 2018 tweet during Kavanaugh's confirmation: "Today I stand with women who are brave enough to come forward with their stories of abuse and mistreatment. They deserve to be heard and credible allegations must be investigated. We must believe survivors, not bully them."
"Sheldon Whitehouse is the same guy who accused Brett Kavanaugh of being a rapist because he wrote 'boofing' in his yearbook," conservative writer Bonchie wrote on X.
What the Numbers Show
Federal Election Commission records show two $5,000 donations from Whitehouse's Ocean PAC to Platner's campaign—$10,000 total. The March 2026 donation and October 2025 contribution represent significant early investment in a candidate who has faced sustained controversy.
Platner has also drawn scrutiny for past online remarks, including comments on Reddit appearing to blame rape victims for failing to protect themselves. He has described himself as a 'communist' in previous posts and has apologized for a Nazi-associated tattoo.
Collins, currently serving her sixth Senate term from Maine, has represented the state since 1997 and won reelection in 2020 with 51 percent of the vote.
The Bottom Line
Whitehouse's continued financial and political support for Platner—combined with his dismissive public comments about misconduct allegations—has placed Democrats in an awkward position heading into a competitive Maine Senate race. Republicans are likely to highlight Whitehouse's apparent double standard given his aggressive stance toward Kavanaugh, while Collins' moderate voting record has historically made the seat competitive.
Whitehouse's office did not respond to requests for comment. The controversy is unlikely to subside as the campaign season progresses and both parties seek to maximize Maine's significance in control of the Senate.