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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer met with embattled U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner on Tuesday (June 2) amid controversies surrounding Platner's campaign in Maine. Platner, who is expected to win the Democratic primary and challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, has faced backlash over a sexting scandal and a past tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Despite repeated inquiries from reporters, Schumer avoided confirming his support for Platner, instead reiterating, "We're going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate." Schumer had initially backed Maine Governor Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign in April but remains on the ballot.
Platner's controversies include sending explicit texts to multiple women, which he acknowledged, and past offensive social media posts. His wife, Amy Gertner, defended him, citing personal challenges during their marriage. The meeting with Schumer and other Democrats in Washington, D.C., comes as Platner attempts to reassure party leaders of his viability as a candidate.
Senator Bernie Sanders expressed his support for Platner, emphasizing his focus on working-class issues. However, some Democrats remain concerned about the impact of the scandals on the party's chances to flip the Senate seat.
The Maine primary is scheduled for next week, with Mills indicating she is still in the race. Platner's campaign continues to face scrutiny as Democrats weigh their options in the critical Senate race.