Former Girlfriend Describes Alleged Violence by Graham Platner, Who Strongly Denies the Claims
By Farman Qureshi
A former girlfriend of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has publicly described what she says was a pattern of physical violence during their relationship, adding to a growing list of allegations that have placed the campaign under intense scrutiny.
According to reports, the woman alleged that Platner repeatedly grabbed her with enough force to leave bruises, pulled her by the wrist from a taxi, and on one occasion allegedly twisted her arm behind her back while preventing her from leaving a room. The incidents are said to have occurred more than a decade ago during their relationship.
Platner has categorically denied the allegations. He has said that claims of physical abuse are false and politically motivated, while acknowledging that he struggled with untreated PTSD and heavy alcohol use after military deployments. He has admitted being a "bad boyfriend" during that period but insists he never committed acts of violence against former partners.
The latest allegations add to a series of controversies surrounding Platner's campaign, including separate accusations made by another former girlfriend, who alleged sexual assault—claims Platner has also firmly denied. Those allegations have prompted prominent Democratic leaders and organizations to call on him to withdraw from the race, while the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has indicated it would not invest in the campaign if he remains the nominee.
The controversy has created uncertainty in one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races. Maine law provides a limited window for replacing a nominee should Platner decide to leave the race, increasing pressure on campaign officials and party leaders as they weigh their next steps.
Platner continues to deny all allegations of violence or non-consensual conduct and has not been charged with any crime related to the accusations discussed in these reports.