Maine Democratic Senate primary frontrunner Graham Platner is scheduled to meet with Democratic senators in Washington on Tuesday afternoon, according to two people familiar with the plans. The long-planned meeting comes as senators seek direct answers to allegations that Platner sent sexually explicit text messages to as many as a dozen women in 2023, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
The accusations have rattled party leadership. Over the weekend, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) voiced concerns on ABC News, stating he has questions about the allegations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had previously backed Gov. Janet Mills in the race, but she suspended her campaign last month, leaving Platner as the frontrunner.
Democrats are increasingly concerned about Platner's viability in a must-win Senate race. The question looming over the party is whether the revelations represent the campaign's final embarrassment or merely its latest. Platner is also scheduled to attend fundraisers in D.C., including one hosted by Ron Klain, a former chief of staff to former President Biden.
The meetings give senators a chance to press Platner directly on the allegations, which could determine the level of institutional support he receives. The outcome may shape the primary contest and the party's ability to hold the seat in a competitive election.
The Platner campaign has not publicly responded to the reports, and it remains unclear how the allegations will affect his fundraising and voter support in the coming weeks.