The backlash surrounding controversial Maine Democrat Graham Platner, who withdrew his bid for US Senate on Friday after accusations of rape, could dog one California Democrat all the way through 2028.
Silicon Valley Rep. Ro Khanna, who is widely expected to run for president, is facing accusations of hypocrisy for hyping the disgraced New England pol even after disturbing reports emerged about his treatment of women.
Khanna even went so far as to share a stage with him after a New York Times report described Platner’s “unsettling” conduct toward former girlfriends.
“We reject misogyny. We reject it. You know who else rejects it? Graham Platner,” Khanna said on stage at the get-out-the vote rally in Bar Harbor last month.
Khanna’s congressional committee, Ro for Congress, funded the rally that featured a nearly 30-minute speech by Platner, who was later accused by ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot of drunkenly entering her unlocked home to rape her in 2021.
A New York Times story published June 4 depicted Platner’s alleged intimidating and threatening conduct toward women, often coupled with drinking, as described by three ex-girlfriends.
Ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield said she was “shaken” by some of Platner’s behavior, which included physically grabbing her, keeping an AR-15 assault rifle lying around his apartment and fantasies about killing people.
Khanna had notably doubled down on his support of Platner before abruptly pulling his endorsement and calling for him to drop out after Racicot’s rape allegation came to light this week.
The Silicon Valley congressman appeared in a video where he sat down with Platner in Maine to have an “honest conversation about the human toll and his journey.”
“I got the Platner call wrong obviously,” Khanna admitted to Politico following the rape accusation. “But it doesn’t negate from the progressive movement.”
California Republicans blasted Khanna for what they called his poor judgment.
“Socialists excuse bad behavior toward women when it fits their extreme agenda,” Corrin Rankin, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, told The California Post.
“They talk about justice but refuse to hold their own accountable while pushing laws that hurt the rest of us, give the government too much power, and take away chances for opportunity.”
A spokesperson for Khanna defended the rally he hosted in Maine, noting the congressman has been hosting similar gatherings across the country to boost Democratic candidates.
“This was an event that had multiple candidates including Troy Jackson and Matt Dunlap in addition to Platner and had nurses and labor union leaders speak,” the spokesperson told The Post. “Ro and his campaign have not given a single dollar to the Platner campaign.”
Racicot’s accusation that the Maine veteran entered her home without permission and raped her in 2021 is only the latest in a serious of disturbing reports about the wannabe senator.
One of his ex-campaign aides also revealed Platner had been sending sexts to as many as six women who weren’t his wife around the time he announced his Senate bid in August 2025. Offensive posts on Reddit forums were also unearthed, including Platner scoffing at victims of sexual assault.
Platner has also faced repeated questions over a tattoo of a Nazi symbol.
He has denied the rape accusation and chalked up much of his past conduct to heavy drinking and post-traumatic stress.
In a video released Wednesday, Platner blamed “large forces,” “corporate media” and the “political establishment” for tanking his candidacy.
