Two prominent Democratic lawmakers pulled their endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner Sunday after fresh sexual assault allegations surfaced against the progressive challenger. Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona both announced they were withdrawing support within hours of each other.
“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” Khanna posted on X. “These allegations are very serious and credible.”
The withdrawals come as Platner mounts a primary challenge in Maine’s Democratic Senate race. Neither lawmaker specified what new allegations prompted their decision, but both cited the credibility of claims against the candidate.
Two High-Profile Endorsements Evaporate
Gallego, who won his Arizona Senate seat in 2024, had been among Platner’s early backers. The freshman senator made his announcement shortly after Khanna’s post, echoing similar concerns about the allegations.
Both lawmakers had endorsed Platner as part of the progressive wing’s effort to shape 2026 Senate primaries. Their simultaneous retreat suggests coordination within Democratic leadership circles to distance the party from the embattled candidate.
What Happens to the Maine Race
Platner now faces a primary campaign stripped of national progressive support at a critical fundraising moment. Maine’s Democratic primary is expected to determine who faces the Republican nominee in a state where Senate races remain competitive.
The candidate has not yet responded publicly to the endorsement withdrawals or addressed the new allegations directly. His campaign website remained active Sunday evening with no statement posted.
For Khanna and Gallego, the move protects their standing with voters increasingly skeptical of how parties handle misconduct allegations. Both lawmakers face their own political considerations—Khanna eyes a potential presidential run while Gallego begins his first Senate term.
The episode marks the second high-profile Democratic endorsement collapse in recent months as the party navigates internal tensions over candidate vetting and accountability standards heading into the midterm elections.
Key Points
- Rep. Ro Khanna and Sen. Ruben Gallego withdrew endorsements of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner citing “serious and credible” sexual assault allegations
- Both Democratic lawmakers had backed Platner as part of progressive efforts to influence 2026 Senate primaries
- Platner has not publicly addressed the new allegations or responded to losing national progressive support
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4637999/khanna-gallego-pull-platner-endorsements/ – July 06, 2026
